Rabbi Asher Resnick

This is the final essay of a three-part series on “Understanding and Accepting Nechama.” Click here to read Part Two. Guidance of what to say, and what not to say, at a shiva (house of mourning) As helpful as many ideas may be for our personal understanding and acceptance of nechama, it is extremely important to realize that they may be... Read more »

This essay is Part Two of a three-part series on “Understanding and Accepting Nechama.” Click here to read Part One. Rav Moshe Weinberger, based on an essay from Rav Kluger, explained the meaning of nechama: “A family was sitting shiva for their loved ones that had died in a terrible accident. They were trying to think... Read more »

Nechama (consolation) is one of the greatest gifts that Hashem gives to us. We would literally not be able to survive without it. As essential as it is, however, there are aspects within it which are not so widely understood or appreciated. We therefore present a three-part series that fills in much of those important... Read more »

The Rebbe Story Who will inherit the dynasty? There was once a Chassidic Rebbe who was the leader of a large community. He had three sons, each one of them posing an important quality. One was the eldest; another, the biggest scholar; and the third, the most charismatic. It was understood that upon the Rebbe’s... Read more »

IS THE CHOSEN PEOPLE A RACIST IDEA? Part 1: Defining the Meaning of “Chosen People” The Questions – “Chosen People” raises many different questions: Why does any group need to be chosen or different from everybody else?2. Is the existence of a single chosen group within mankind an ideal situation?3. What exactly does it mean to be chosen?4.... Read more »

The special simcha of Purim is built upon the contrast between what many call coincidences and what we understand are actually hidden miracles. Let’s begin with an obvious question. Why is the holiday called “Purim” (a drawing of lots)? Why doesn’t it have a name which is related to one of the main themes of the... Read more »

The Moral Imperative argument is one of the classic discussions which address the existence of G-d. It is also valuable in terms of what it teaches us about morality itself, and why morality matters so much to all of us. PART I — Consider what type of a world would exist if there were no absolute, objective morality. If... Read more »

The Design Proof is the simplest and clearest argument for the existence of G-d. In fact, it is so intuitively obvious that a common response is – “This sounds too simple to be true.” Check it out yourself and experience the clarity. The classical design argument is remarkably simple. There is complex design all around... Read more »

We initially addressed different types of nisyonot, what are their purposes and if everyone is given tests. We then discussed six purposes of nisyonot, followed by the nature of tests for tzadikim in contrast to those for “everyone.” The final two essays address how tests are essential for our growth and what it actually means... Read more »

We initially addressed different types of nisyonot, what are their purposes and if everyone is given tests. We then discussed six purposes of nisyonot. This essay explores the nature of tests for tzadikim in contrast to those for “everyone.” Three Mashalim (Analogies), Tests for Tzadikim (Righteous) Vs. Everyone Midrashim with the Three Mashalim Bereshit Rabba... Read more »

Pages By: Rabbi Asher Resnick

Understanding & Accepting Nechama – Part 3

Understanding & Accepting Nechama – Part 2

Understanding and Accepting Nechama – Part 1

History Vs. Legend

Why the Chosen People is Not Racism

The Joy of Purim – Coincidences vs. Miracles

The Moral Imperative – A Proof of G-d

Experience the Clarity of the Design Proof

Understanding & Dealing with Life Challenges

Understanding and Dealing with Nisyonot — Part 3

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