by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Sep 10, 2020 | Lifeline
An elderly man checked in to a small, quaint hotel, only to learn at the front desk that the single elevator was out of order. He asked a bellhop to bring his bags up to his room, implying that the tip would be worth the effort. It was ten minutes later before the...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 13, 2020 | Lifeline
“If I were a rich man…” Would you like to become wealthy? The Torah offers a tried and tested, universally successful road to riches, and it is found in this week’s reading. The Children of Israel are commanded to tithe their produce:...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 7, 2020 | Lifeline
This week’s Torah reading includes the second paragraph of the Shema, recited in our morning and evening prayers. This paragraph talks about reward and punishment, and how they are tied to our homeland, the Land of Israel: “And if you will surely listen to...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jul 9, 2020 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, HaShem tells Moshe that he will soon pass on, and to take Yehushua (Joshua) to be next leader of the Jewish nation. It is Yehoshua who will lead to the Children of Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Yehoshua was...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | May 7, 2020 | Lifeline
The first Mishnah asks: “From when do we read the Shema at night? From the time that the Kohanim enter to eat their Terumah.” [Brachos 1:1] This is a very complicated answer to a very straightforward question. The Shema is a basic Jewish ritual, required...
