torah

This week, the Torah not only teaches us the basics of getting along with one’s neighbor, it also codifies the elementary rules of behavior that… Read More »Burden of Reproof

Friday Night THERE IS A mitzvah, in this week’s parsha, of not placing a stumbling block before the blind. It is not talking about an… Read More »Secret to Holiness

Each and every one of us is subject to this system– as a rule. But the influence of the stars can be undone by a… Read More »Chapter 7: The Influence of the Stars – Paragraph 3

If one sees his fellow sin or following an improper path, he is obligated to return him to the better [path], and to inform him… Read More »Chapter 6, Law 7(a) – G-d Up Close

What does it mean to live life to its fullest? Do you imagine reading a storybook with your (grand)children, vacationing on the Mediterranean, or skydiving?… Read More »Lawfully Good

They (each of the five students of R. Yochanan listed earlier) said three things. R. Eliezer said: May the honor of your fellow be as… Read More »Chapter 2, Mishna 15(d): Facing Life

This week we read the double parsha of Acharei Mos – Kedoshim. Acharei Mos begins: “Va’yedabare Hashem el Moshe acharei mos shnei bnei Aharon (Hashem… Read More »Identical but Different

“Hashem spoke to Moshe sfter the death of Aharon’s two sons, when they approached before Hashem, and they died”(16:1) The Torah introduces the Yom Kippur… Read More »Faith Healer

You shall observe My statutes and My ordinances, which a man shall do and live by them (‘Chai B’hem” – literally to live in them)… Read More »The Holy Pickle

Leadership Authorities tend to be authoritarian: dominating, manipulating, bullying. They feel they deserve their positions because of their ambitious and domineering manners. How often do… Read More »Shemaya and the Temptation of Leadership