Category: Torah.org

Last class, we continued reviewing the final bracha of Shemoneh Esrai and briefly discussed prayer tips for Modim, the seminal expression of thanks in the Shemoneh Esrai prayer. Now we will begin to dig into Modim and, as always, let’s start with the text of the bracha: “We gratefully thank You, for it is You…

There are certain character traits which a person is forbidden to accustom himself in, even in moderation. Rather, he must distance himself to the opposite extreme. One such trait is haughtiness. For the ideal path is not that one be humble (‘anav’) alone; he must be lowly of spirit (‘shefal ru’ach’), and exceedingly unassuming (‘rucho…

This week we read the parsha of Yisro. “And Yisro, the father-in-law of Moshe, heard all that Elokim had done for Moshe and Yisroel his nation. [18:1]” What did Yisro hear that prompted him to come? He heard about the splitting of the sea and the war against Amalek. [Rashi] The Ramban brings the two…

YitroVolume 39, No. 1717 Shevat 5785February 15, 2025 Sponsored by Mrs. Faith Ginsburg on the yahrzeit of her father, Herzl Rosenson (Naftali Hertz ben Avraham a”h – 22 Shevat) Hyam and Naomi Singer on the yahrzeit of his grandfather Chaim ben Chanoch Zundel a”h Irving and Arline Katz on the yahrzeits of her mother Frahdel…

DOES JUDAISM BELIEVE in reincarnation? Those who quote Saadia Gaon say no. But it is hard to imagine how, if he had a copy of the Zohar, which had yet to be published, because it speaks about gilgulim extensively at the beginning of Parashas Mishpatim. Certainly had the Gaon lived in the Arizal’s time, he…

And the name of the other was Eliezer, for ‘the G-d of my father came to my aid, and He saved me from the sword of Pharaoh’” (18:4) The Torah recounts that Moshe had two sons. He named the oldest Gershom because Moshe was a “ger” – “stranger” in a strange land, reflecting his exile…

The Story The doorbell rang at the Levine’s home. Penina answered the door and saw their mailman with a package and clipboard. “Good afternoon,” said the mailman, “I have a package here for Mr. Levine.” “Thank you,” said Penina, reaching for the package, “This must be his new passport. He needs it for his trip…

Torah is greater than priesthood and kingship, for kingship is acquired with 30 qualities, priesthood is acquired with 24, whereas the Torah is acquired with 48 ways. These are: … (23) acceptance of suffering, (24) knowing one’s place, (25) being happy with one’s lot… This week introduces a number of different qualities, all of which…

There are certain character traits which a person is forbidden to accustom himself in, even in moderation. Rather, he must distance himself to the opposite extreme. One such trait is haughtiness. For the ideal path is not that one be humble (‘anav’) alone; he must be lowly of spirit (‘shefal ru’ach’), and exceedingly unassuming (‘rucho…

BS”DVolume 39, No. 169 Shevat 5785February 8, 2025 Sponsored by Irving and Arline Katz on the yahrzeit of grandmother Henya Rachel bat Pinchas (Spalter) a”h The Vogel family on the yahrzeit of great-aunt Fayga bat Yehuda Leib Blecher a”h A friend in memory of David Peller’s parents Hinda bat Yisroel Yechiel a”h and Efraim Fishel…