Yonaton Behar

As parents, the present situation of lockdown and children remaining home should heighten our awareness that the primary responsibility for educating and caring for our children depends on us * Even if there are difficulties during this period, one should continue to believe in the abilities and goodness of children, for emunah (faith) is a … Read more

When troubles occur, the Torah does not instruct us to merely lower our heads and wait till for them to pass, rather, to take advantage of them to examine our actions * The Corona plague challenged the idea of globalization, and forced all nations to return to increased preoccupation with inner circles * An individual’s … Read more

The holidays should be different from other Sabbaths in their special mitzvah of joy, expressed in several ways * Women who did not manage to buy a garment this year due to the lockdown, may order a garment online during Chol HaMoed * Despite the difficulty, this year as well, effort should be made to … Read more

The purpose of teshuva (repentance) is to free us from the various idols of desire that bind us throughout the year * Surrender to the various idols diminishes man, whereas belief in God strengthens one’s character and abilities * The blowing of the shofar at the conclusion of Yom Kippur calls to mind the blowing … Read more

Rosh Hashana in Lockdown – an Opportunity for Tikun The absence of mass prayers and family meals are liable to cause sorrow, but it is our duty to make an effort and take advantage of the holiday for a tikun (correction) that will be a sign for the entire year * The large amount of … Read more

The courtyard and balcony minyans required this year due to Corona hold a great blessing * During prayers, the piyyutim (liturgical poems) and additions should be skipped, and focus on the essentials * In certain circumstances, repetition of the Shaliach Tzibbur should also be skipped * The remaining time should be utilized for Torah study … Read more

In principle, there is no impediment for women to engage in any field of Torah * Throughout the ages, theoretical and research study of Torah was the domain of men, due to the customary social arrangements * In a reality where women are knowledgeable in all fields, and strive for it in the Torah as … Read more

The essay “HaDor” (“The Generation”) in the book “Ikvei HaTzon” is undoubtedly one of Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook’s most fundamental essays, in which he analyzes the special character of the generation, and outlines a path for its repentance and perfection. Rabbi Kook explains that Jews who abandoned the Torah in the previous generations were … Read more

The book “HaMasoret HaYehudit” (‘The Jewish Tradition’) was born out of deep pain at the detachment of a large portion of Jews from their heritage, but also out of a strong sense of brotherhood and a common destiny * At first, the book was meant for traditional Jews, but during the writing it became clear … Read more

The guaranteed blessing for those who give maaser (tithes) from their earnings is dependent on the diligence with which they work * Those who set aside maaser for unworthy purposes will not receive the blessing of maaser kesafim (tithes from profits) * Maaser kesafim should not be used to pay for children’s tuition, even for … Read more