by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Oct 13, 2023 | Lifeline
Two thoughts come to mind from our parsha, the reading this week. First of all, the notion of a “brotherhood of man” comes from our Torah; it is one of its first lessons. Today this is such a common idea that we don’t give it much thought, but in reality it is quite...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 29, 2023 | Lifeline
On the Mitzvah of dwelling in a Sukkah, the Torah says, “In order that your generations will know that I placed the Children of Israel in Sukkos when I brought them out of the Land of Egypt; I am Hashem Your G-d” [Lev. 23:43]. What is the...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 21, 2023 | Lifeline
“Is this the way you pay Hashem back, foolish nation and unwise…” [Deut. 32:6]. The Talmud teaches (Tamid 32b) “Who is Wise? The one who sees the future.” This is not a reference to prophecy, but to the ability to perceive the logical...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 14, 2023 | Lifeline
The Torah portion of Nitzavim is always read immediately before Rosh HaShanah, the New Year. It seems that our Sages knew that reading what the Nation of Israel was told then, at the end of Deuteronomy, would place us in the right frame of mind. If someone thinks that...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 31, 2023 | Lifeline
Please learn & pray for the recovery of Menachem Mendel Chaim ben Mirel. Our reading begins with the offering of Bikkurim, the first fruits, in the Holy Temple. At the end of the process, the Torah says “And you shall be happy with all the goodness that...
