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PARSHAS TOLDOS 5778
There is a universal question on this week’s parsha. We see in the beginning of the parsha how Yaakov had to obtain the brachos through trickery. In addition, we wonder why was it that Yaakov wanted to confer the brochos on Eisav when in fact we see that Yaakov followed…
Psalms Chapter 4
To the chief Musician for stringed instruments, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory…
Psalm 116
“Kos Yeshuos Esah U’Bshaim Hashem Ekra” “I will raise the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Hashem” (Tehilim 116) The Talmud (Pesachim 119b) teaches that God will host a special banquet as a reward for the righteous. It will be called the Banquet of Loving-Kindness. After…
Although we are told that all prayers are answered
Although we are told that all prayers are answered, it seems to us that many requests remain unfulfilled. Though tefilos (prayers) are never rejected, this does not mean that Hashem complies with our total request. He may answer it only partially, or sometimes put it aside, for Hashem knows what…
IT ALL DEPENDS ON YOU!
The B’nei Yissachar (Rabbi Zvi Elimelech Shapiro of Dynov, 1783-1841) writes that upon uttering H-shem’s name in the Mussaf prayer on Rosh Chodesh of each month which ends “Blessed are you H-shem, Who sanctifies Israel and the New Moons.”, one should concentrate on a specific word combination taken from particular…
Prayer’s Purpose
Imagine Adam HaRishon opening his eyes for the very first time. How do we picture it? He sees a beautifull lush garden, a panop1y of color, a gorgeous array of flowers, vegetation, and trees. The first moment of man is a visual delight, a celebration of existence. Wrong! Let’s try…
Windows of Opportunity
The Rabbis of the Talmud teach that “From the day that the Bais Hamikdash was destroyed, the Gates of Prayer were sealed.” Harav Shimshon Chaim ben Rav Nachman Michoel Nachmani zt’l writes in Sefer Zera Shimshon that the Gates of Prayer mentioned here are referring to the Holy Places in…
DISTRIBUTING TZEDAKAH (CHARITY) ON CHANUKAH (I)
Yesod V’Shoresh Ha’Avodah writes that the days of Chanukah are particularly auspicious to correct the flaws in Man through the distribution of tzedakah, charity, especially to those who are engaged in the study of the Holy Torah and supporting them. Children are accustomed to going around during Chanukah collecting tzedaka for scholars…
Chanukah is coming
Chanukah is coming don’t be left out. Visit our Festival section to read what it’s all about. Stories, insights, songs and more; Tehilim hotline has lots in store. Sufganiot, Latkes, dreidels and eating cheese; Click to find a discussion about any of these. Family get-togethers and Chanukah gelt bring out…
Food for thought
An essential element of Chanukah is Hoda’ah, and it accordingly becomes a highly propitious time for us to bli neder undertake some improvement in Brachos. In Chassidic circles, the Pasuk Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov Ki LeOlam Chasdo is explained as follows: If you may it a practice of giving thanks…