Preface Avraham, our first Father lived for 175 years. His name means the Father of a multitude of nations, Breishis 17:5. Yitzchok, our second Father lived for 180 years. His name means ‘he will laugh,’ with the joy of success in many ways – prosperity, overcoming obstacles, happiness in this world and the World to... Read more »
In Parshas Lech Lecha, Hashem informs Avraham Avinu of the astounding news that he and Sarah will bear a son. The Chumash [Bereishis 17:17] records his response, “And Avraham fell upon his face and laughed (Vayitzchak). He thought to himself, “Can a child be born to a one hundred year-old man? And can Sarah give... Read more »
Preface What is my purpose in this world? “Our soul is compared to a candle of Hashem.” [Mishlei 20:27] What is a candle? A clump of wax with a wick in its core. You can light the wick with a match, and the flame can illuminate a room. So too, our body has a soul... Read more »
Be Humble, Kind, Generous, Encouraging & Forgiving How can I treat people with more love and caring the way the Torah teaches us? What can you do to show that you put people first? How can you help and serve others with more joy and attention? Do you open your eyes and hand to see... Read more »
What choice do we have when we think we are ready to explode over some relative or friend who has slighted us in a seemingly unforgivable way? We can choose to grab hold of a Gemara Rosh Hashana 17a, six lines up from the bottom. This is one of the most incredible statements in all... Read more »
The same word ‘Modeh’ to thank, also means to elevate. When we thank, we are also obligated to study and appreciate the great gifts we are receiving from Hashem daily. We do not say, “I thank.” Rather, we start with, “Thanking” is “I”... it should become our essence!
Gift of Emuna. In Makos 24a we learn that Chavakuk the Prophet summarizes the entire Torah with the gift of emuna. Hashem granted us a soul which is the essence of who we are which is always connected to Hashem. We have inspiration, intuition and a conscience that are all linked together to the inner faith we have.
Three Goals of Life We know our three primary goals: Torah, Service, and Kindness, Avos 1:2. The Maharal explains that these three goals correspond to avoiding the three worst crimes, Idol worship, the opposite of serving Hashem,
Some explain the name ‘Chanukah’ to refer to the Jews resting on the 25th day of Kislev, but others point out, one is permitted to work on Chanukah... it is not a holiday that requires