Wealth through Tithing

“Aser T’aser”  – Give a Tithe to Grow Rich In this week’s Torah portion Re’eh, we learn about the mitzvah ma’aser k’safim (giving 10% of one’s income to charity), as the verse says: “Take a [second] tithe”, or in Hebrew, “aser t’aser”(Deuteronomy 14:22). Our Sages interpreted this verse as follows: “Take a [second] tithe – so you may … Read more

It's All Happening at the Zoo

Blessings for Visiting the Zoo After last week’s article concerning the blessing “ma’aseh bereshit” recited by those traveling throughout the country upon seeing the ocean, a unique mountain or hill, I will now deal with the blessings recited by visitors to the zoo: the blessing “ShCacha Lo BeOlamo” (who has such [beautiful things] in His … Read more

A Travelers Guide to Blessings

Blessings over Unusual Sights: A Traveler’s Guide This is the time of year when many people take trips throughout the country. In order to elevate these outings by observing the greatness of the Creator, it is worthwhile mentioning the blessings our Sages enacted to recite upon seeing an unusual sight. Blessing over Impressive Landscapes On five impressive … Read more

Advice for Tisha B'Av

Coffee on the Fast Q: Rabbi, I am used to drinking a couple of cups of coffee everyday, and as a result when I fast, I get terrible headaches. Is there anything I can do? Maybe I fall under the category of a choleh(an ill person), and exempt from fasting? A: Since you need coffee to … Read more

Remedying Lust in the Generation of Mashiach

Pinchas – Rectifying ‘Pagam HaBrit’ In this article I will deal with two interrelated problems. First, coping with a permissive society and all its temptations – especially in the area of sexual immorality and modesty. Second, educating youth – particularly, in face of the summer vacation and its challenges. The Generation of the Flood The Kabbalists said … Read more

Saving Another's Life

“Do not stand still when your neighbor’s life is in danger” The Torah commands one to save someone who is in danger. As the Torah also obligates one to return lost items to a neighbor “and you shall return it to him” (Deuteronomy 22:2), all the more so is it a mitzvah to save another … Read more

The True Followers of the Chatam Sofer

Why have you deviated from Jewish Tradition? Q: Occasionally I read your column, sir, and I am amazed at your confidence in the path of the National-Religious community, which is diametrically opposed to the path of our rabbis, Gedolei HaTorah (eminent Torah scholars). After all, everyone knows what the Chatam Sofer said, that“chadash assur m’ha’Torah” (“ ‘new’ is forbidden by … Read more

Correcting the Sin of the Spies

Virtues of the Land of Israel Our Sages said: “The mitzvah of settling the Land of Israel is equal to all the mitzvoth in the Torah” (Tosefta, Avoda Zara 4:3; Sifrei, Re’eh 53). They also said: “Whoever lives outside the Land may be regarded as one who has no God” (Ketubot 110b). Also, “Whoever lives … Read more