Electricity on Shabbat
The laws of Shabbat are many and complex. There are 39 general categories of forbidden activities, and one of them is mentioned…
Difficult to Connect
In this week’s parsha, Vayakhel, we read of the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle, known in Hebrew as the Mishkan. …
True Leaders
Who are the leaders of today? Are they the sports figures whose images adorn the bedrooms of adolescent boys? Movie stars? Politicians? …
Warm Or Cold Synagogue?
I recently had an interesting discussion with someone about different types of synagogues. I’m not referring to the different denominations, but rather,…
Are You Young?
The story is told of a certain aspiring Hungarian Jew who travelled to Lizhensk, Poland, hoping to meet with the famous tzaddik…
Nittel Nacht
Q: I have heard that some people have the custom of not learning on the night of December 24th. What is the…
Manure or Fertilizer
IS OUR MONEY MANURE OR FERTILIZER? In a letter dated 25 Teves (January 10, 1945) Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok of Lubavitch writes: When…
Instant Chanukah
Enter any Judaica store this time of year, and Chanukah supplies abound. The ubiquitous dreidels are nowadays also flanked by all sorts…
Eisav’s Head
In this week’s parsha, Toldot, we read of the famous story of Isaac giving blessings to his son Jacob. Everyone knows the…
Are You Welcoming?
I recall a Shabbat a few years ago, when my family were the recipients of great hospitality in the home of a…
