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May 27, 2023 – 11:40 pm | 60 views

The kohen (priest) plays many central roles in this week’s Torah portion. Primary among them is the priestly blessing. G-d endowed the kohen with the power to confer blessing. It is a potent power. Imagine holding the keys to another’s fortune and happiness. If you choose, you can endow them …

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Articles tagged with: meaning

We Are Needed

April 24, 2022 – 1:54 pm | 786 views
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What are we needed for? A Chasid once poured out his heart to Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi about his many needs. The Rebbe replied, you told me everything you need, but you said not a word about what you are needed for.
We often ask for the things we need, …

Vaetchana: Recovering from Grief

July 30, 2017 – 12:42 pm | 2,899 views
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When Grief Debilitates
This Shabbat is all about comfort. After commemorating the destruction of both Jewish Temples this Tuesday, we are in a state of grief and in significant need of comfort. Yet the question is how does one find comfort after such immense grief? If we find it difficult to …

Mishpatim: Why Should I?

February 18, 2017 – 8:58 pm | 2,239 views
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The Big Question
A young lady asked me why she should obey G-d’s many instructions in the Torah. She understands that without G-d she would not exist and feels that she owes it to him, but she feels that G-d forced her into this bargain without asking her. Why did He …

Passover: You Are Unique

April 13, 2014 – 9:28 pm | 6,488 views
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You Are One
Ezekiel famously said, “Echad Hayah Avraham,” Abraham was one.[1] Ezekiel was speaking to the fact that Abraham was promised the land of Israel on his own merit because he stood utterly and completely alone in defiance of contemporary culture. Abraham was willing to be unique.

Korach: Wealth as a Status Symbol

June 17, 2012 – 11:51 am | One Comment | 8,447 views
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Aspirations
What is your aspiration? To live a healthy and honest lifestyle, to raise happy well adjusted children, to contribute something of lasting significance to humanity, to live a life of piety, to master a subject and become a scholar; are all worthwhile causes, but accomplishing any of them requires money.

Matot: The Joys of Ice-Cream

July 20, 2011 – 6:31 pm | 3,569 views
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Can You Have Your Cake And Eat It Too?
When we see a religious leader living the good life, fancy cars, extravagant expense accounts and private jets, we are naturally skeptical about their piety. When we think of the devout we conjure up images of the impoverished and downtrodden whose faith, …

Vaera: The Daily Escape

December 26, 2010 – 12:40 am | 2,435 views
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Question
Over the course of history, Jews have experienced many miraculous redemptions, but the only miracle we deliberately recall every day is the exodus from Egypt. Why is this one different?

Elul: A Rose Among Thorns

August 16, 2010 – 1:53 am | One Comment | 4,831 views
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A Curious Verse
Describing our relationship with G-d, King Solomon, wisest of all men, wrote, “I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me; who grazes among the roses,” (1) a curious statement if ever there was one. The first half of the verse is perfect and symmetrical. I …