Uncovering Our Real Intentions
When Sarah passes away, Avraham seeks out a burial place for her -- the cave then belonging to Efron the Hittite. Efron shows us how to say much, and do little. Or more accurately, as Rashi says, "even a little he did not do." Efron said to Avraham, "The cave is a...
New Rav Hirsch Class & Some “Pick me up” Thoughts
In our Torah reading this week, Hagar takes her son Yishmael (Ishmael) out into the desert, and then is afraid that he will die of thirst. An angel then says to Hagar that G-d has seen her son "where he is," and G-d opens her eyes and she finds a well of water....
New Jews and Old
There is a very interesting Medrash connected to this week's reading. The Medrash tells us that after Avraham circumcised himself, many people came to convert and join the Jewish People. The Bais HaLevi, Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik zt"l of Brisk, asks: isn't this...
Where Unity Can Take Us
After the Flood, the inhabitants of Noah's Ark resettle the world and communities of people begin to grow once again. And in an act of rebellion, they decided to build a tower reaching up to Heaven. G-d's method of stopping them contains a lesson for us all -- He...
May we all be sealed in the Book of Life
With Yom Kippur approaching, it is time to prepare to meet the Holy King when He comes closest to us, to express our hopes for the year ahead and for the better choices we hope to make. As you search for sources of inspiration, please review our Yom Kippur articles at...
L’Shana Tova!
This Shabbos, we will celebrate Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year. We will celebrate, but with sobriety and solemnity, because our Tradition teaches that G-d Judges the world and each individual on this great day. It is a time for turning away from past errors, and...