There’s a basic problem that exists when soliciting donations for your cause. You’re under pressure to raise funds. Who isn’t focused on the good of their cause or your monthly needs? It's discussed in Michtav M’Eliyahu..Asking for a donation, even when our intentions are for the good of our project, can be an act of taking. The self-focus we sometimes have, because of necessity, can
In his NYTimes.com article “The ‘Busy’ Trap,” Tim Kreide writes: “If you live in America in the 21st century you’ve probably had to listen to a lot of people tell you how busy they are. It’s become the default response when you ask anyone how they’re doing: “Busy!” “So busy.” “Crazy busy.” It is, pretty obviously, a boast
There are countless lessons to extract from the Olympics beginning in Rio. The tenacity, resolve, grit, discipline, drive, and sense of teamwork of each athlete is simply inspiring and can serve to motivate each one of us to pursue our dreams relentlessly. Olympians serve as
The most remarkable thing about the failed coup in Turkey last week is how utterly unremarkable it actually was. While this particular coup was unsuccessful, since 1960 Turkey has been overthrown four times through takeovers organized and perpetrated by its own military.
When Achilles, the Greek mythological figure, was a baby, it was foreseen that he would die young. In an effort to protect him, his mother Thetis took him to the River Styx, which supposedly contained powers of invincibility. She immersed him into the river, but held him by
The upcoming Super Bowl is perhaps the biggest event in our country. Nearly half of all Americans watch it. While we do not encourage our fellow Jews to spend time on this, the reality is that many do follow it one way or another. As such, it behooves us to take away some lessons which we can learn and use them as tools for
As I glanced at the news this morning I could not help but notice the headline: “Miracle Mets are Headed to the World Series!” The New York Mets would be heading to the World Series for the first time since 2000. Although it's been years since I have followed baseball, as I looked at the headline my mind waxed nostalgic as I recalled
I recently received a copy of the new Jaffa Edition of Mesillas Yesharim. As someone who gives a mussar vaad, I currently own the classic Feldheim version, The Ofeq Institute’s Complete Mesillas Yesharim, and Rabbi Yaakov Feldman’s translation with commentary
Recently, we received an email from an educator who said that he was, “looking for resources from which he could use sports to teach Jewish concepts.” As a rabbi or educator, you are always looking for ways to help your congregants or students better their behavior and conduct. It follows that the use of sports references... Read more »
The Mussar Institute, founded by Alan Morinis, aims to impart wisdom and tools for character development grounded in Torah and the classical Mussar tradition. In particular, TMI’s goal is to enable all Jews to incorporate Mussar learning and practice into their everyday lives. For the past number of years, they have celebrated Generosity Week, during... Read more »
