by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 4, 2011 | Lifeline
The Ninth of Av is nearly upon us — the saddest day on the Jewish calendar, the date when both Temples were destroyed and many other tragedies occurred. The Rabbis teach that while the First Temple was destroyed because of immorality, the Second Temple was...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jul 15, 2011 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, Pinchas was rewarded for taking action on behalf of Israel. One of the Princes of the Jewish People had “disturbed the peace” between Israel and G-d, and Pinchas restored that peace. This week, our peace was again shattered,...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jun 24, 2011 | Lifeline
Like every part of the Torah, the story of Korach, who led a Levite rebellion against the authority of Moshe and the Kohanim, is filled with multiple layers of meaning and message. One lesson that has always spoken to me is about the nature of arguments. In the...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Jun 3, 2011 | Lifeline, What's happening
On Tuesday night, we will revisit the time when the entire nation heard the Voice of G-d, on the holiday of Shavuos. Our Sages teach that the Jewish holidays are not merely commemoration of past events, but a time on the calendar when the same spiritual energies come...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | May 20, 2011 | Lifeline
"Hey, I sent you an e-mail about the proposal two hours ago. Have you had a chance to review it?" In today’s world, people expect instant results, and that means doing things without thought or consideration. But as they say, "haste makes...
