Once an ethics professor from a prestigious college was caught doing something very unethical. Following the matter, he was approached by a student who asked him “how could one who spends his time teaching ethics, commit such a crime?” The teacher looked at his student with a smirk and said “Why not! Does a math professor have to be a triangle”.
Continue reading →When discussing the story of Avraham Avinu the automatic association that comes to mind is the value of chesed, kindness. The Prophet Micah explicitly associates kindness with Avraham (Micah 7, 20):
Continue reading →This week, we begin a new saga in the first book of the Torah, the lives and journeys of our Forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaacov. The Torah goes into incredible detail about the family background, the voyages, and challenges of their lives. It is interesting to note that the first two Parshiot (Torah Portions) of Sefer Breishit spread across almost 1500 years, while the story of the Avot, which is recorded over a large number of Parshiot, covers about 200 years.
Continue reading →Judaism is based on the principle of a united people. A huge emphasis is placed on community. A Jew who truly wants to serve Hashem must understand that he must be connected to the Jewish nation as a whole.
Continue reading →This Shabbat, following a month of festive and intense holidays, we begin reading the Torah anew. No matter how many times we have learnt and studied Torah in the past, new lessons and layers of meaning are derived every time. This week’s Parsha begins with the creation of the universe and the beginning of humanity in the Garden of Eden.
Continue reading →The concept in Judaism that one can repent from previous sins is very unique. Teshuva (repentance), or the process of returning to Hashem following our sins, changes our whole being. In this article, we will elaborate on the commandment of Teshuva and how to achieve its’ full potential.
Continue reading →In Judaism, the Torah’s commandments are the most central aspect of the religion. Judaism has 613 detailed commandments that help us serve Hashem in every facet of life. A very basic philosophical question may be asked regarding the adherence to Hashem’s commandments.
Continue reading →A philosopher once said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it”. A basic principle in Judaism is that every action, word, and thought has purpose. This applies to all areas of life, however mundane they may seem. In Judaism, we uplift the physical to the spiritual realm, infusing our every action with purpose and meaning.
Continue reading →In this week’s Parsha, we learn that a Jew’s expression of mourning should be within reason. When a neshama (soul) departs this world, we are commanded not to exaggerate our expression of mourning by inflicting upon ourselves any physical harm. The verse reads (Devarim 14, 1):
Continue reading →Gratitude is one of the most important qualities a person should display. By recognizing positive deeds, we bring greatness to the world. In contrast, when we overlook or deny the good that we have been blessed with, we are preventing ourselves and the world from embodying good.
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