Mishteh Shimshon 5770

In our study of Torah, how are we we to view the Avot and other Biblical figures? Are they to be put on a pedestal? Are they infallible? Or, are they human beings like us, and subject to human frailty?

The Sages teach in the Midrashic and Talmudic literature that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob kept all 613 mitzvot of the Torah. How are we to understand this?

Outside of the Land of Israel, there is a prevelant custom to recite Kiddush in the Synagogue on Friday Night. Rabbi Nadel explores why the custom is different in Eretz Yisrael.

At Minchah on Yom HaKippurim we read the Book of Yonah. It is a story beloved by young and old. My little boys even studied it this year in pre-school! It is story that captures our minds and hearts and is as relevant today as it was when written.
At its very essence, it is a message of teshuvah: The people of Nineveh are told that if they continue on their path, “In forty days Nineveh shall be overturned” (3:4). Their response? Fasting and repentance: …

Teshuvah, often mistranslated as “repentance” or “forgiveness” is really a process of self-exploration and examination. It is a transformation that leads to self-mastery.

Exploring the Limits of Teshuvah: How Far Must We Go in Accepting the Penitent?
The Nazi Who Wanted to Convert to Judaism, A Case Study

Just the mere mention of the words, Shuk Machaneh Yehudah, downtown Jerusalem’s open air food market, conjures up vivid imagery and an almost visceral reaction: the rich colors of the fruits and vegetables; the sweet aroma of spices, coffees and pungent fresh fish; the taste of sweet rugalach; the nuts and dried fruit; the warm pita fresh out of the oven; the Yemenite Medicine Man who sells tonics made from Etrog, guaranteed to cure what ails you; the hustle and bustle of the crowds; the shouting; the bargaining. It …

King Solomon, in his wisdom, wrote: “Educate the child according to his way …” (Mishlei 22:6)
The goal of education is to help the student reach his or her potential. Every child is unique. Every child has specific strengths and weaknesses. The educator must identify those strengths and weaknesses in order to set realistic learning goals. At the same time, our tradition expects one to work hard at Torah study and self-development. As our tradition teaches, “Man is born to toil…” (Iyyov 5:7)
One thing …