Short message for Shavuos
(performed a Mitzvah Bedieved could one do it again Lechatchila (5777
The Yeshivos of our Forefathers
Quality and Quantity of Torah Study
1. The Obligation to Study Torah Most mitzvos have clearly defined parameters. By placing a mezuzah on one’s doorposts, or eating a k’zayis of matza on Seder night, one fulfills his obligation, and nothing more must be done. This is not true of the mitzva of Torah study, which requires us to constantly pursue the…
The First Commitment
The Waters of Wisdom
When the Beis HaMikdash stood, Sukkos was celebrated with the Simchas Beis HaShoe’va, “Festival of Water Drawing,” which took place each day of Chol HaMoed in the Beis HaMikdash. In memory of these joyous festivities, it is customary in many communities today to make a Simchas Beis HaShoe’va, in which we gather together to rejoice…
Finding Meaning in Futility
R’ Itzele Peterberger and the Alter of Slobodka, two illustrious students of Rav Yisrael Salanter, once discussed the custom to read Koheles during Chag HaSukkos. The morbid and fatalistic tone of Koheles, with verses such as, “Futility of futilities! All is futile!” and “I hated life, for I found evil in everything that occurs under…
Circumventing the Heavenly Tribunal
The Yom Kippur service begins with vidui (confession), which is recited before the final meal of erev Yom Kippur, and should ideally be recited again before nightfall.[1] Vidui is an essential element of teshuva, and therefore a central theme of Yom Kippur, repeated a total of ten times over the course of the day…
The Loyal Slave
There is a curious dichotomy in the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and our Creator. On the one hand, Hashem is our Father, as it is written, “You are children of Hashem your G‑d.” As such, our relationship is one of filial endearment. We are privileged to draw close to Hashem in prayer and request anything…