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Remedying the Sin of Theft Ahead of the Yamim Noraim

The Hidden Work of Preparing for the Day of Judgment

To what extent will you go to try to study Torah and more so Halachah? The determination of the Gaon of Brisk, Rav Yosef Dov Bear Soloveitchik z”l (1820-1892) to study by Rav Shlomo Kluger z”l (1785-1869) (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a)(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series It states in Parashat Bechukotai, “If you will...

The unity of Am Yisrael is an antidote to evil decrees (Based on the Ma’amar of HaRav HaGoan Rav David Shaltiel Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Tetzaveh - Shabbat Zachor It states in the Parashah, “You, [Moshe], must command Bnei Yisrael to bring you clear illuminating oil, made from hand crushed olives, to keep the lamp constantly burning. Aharon and his sons shall arrange for [the lamps to burn] from evening until morning in...

It isn’t enough to study Torah and observe the mitzvot ourselves, we must also merit others (From the teachings of Maran Rabbenu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l)(written by his grandson HaRav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds, United Kingdom) Parashat Terumah It states in the Parashah, “[Separate **] your brother Aaron and his sons from amongst Yisrael [and] bring them close to you, to be Cohanim to Me” (Shemot 28:1). Meaning that Hashem said to Moshe,...

Moshe in the Basket - The potential impact of paying attention for just one moment From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, The Head of the Batei Din in Tel Aviv(translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series This week we read about Paro’s decree against the Jewish children, to abort their lives as soon as they were born. In the Torah’s words, “The king of Egypt spoke to the [chief] Hebrew midwives, whose...

When may we and when should we, be economical with the truth From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, the Head of the Batei Din in Tel Aviv (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds United Kingdom) Image Source: My Jewish Learning (Click) This Shabbat we shall read that Yitzchak wished to bless Esav. However, Yaakov, with his mother Rivka’s assistance, succeeds in receiving the berachot instead of Esav. He wears Esav’s best clothing and places on his hands and neck the...

Torah-Study shakes the Yetzer Hara (Evil Inclination) off our scent From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen Shlit”a, The Head of the Batei Din in...

Mitzvot performed in private are superior to those which are broadcasted (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef...

Spiritual growth and Holiness are not automatic and there is no quick-fix for them, rather they are achieved through tenacity and prayer...

The hazards of eating non-Kosher food and the protection accorded to those who are meticulous in observing Kashrut, as well as the...

The donations to the Mishkan and the Bet HaMikdash are collateral for our Sins (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef...

Explaining why the Jewish People were punished so harshly for eating non-kosher food at Achashverosh’s Feast From HaGaon Rav Zevadia...

Yesterday, we explained how most places around the world would celebrate Purim tomorrow, Friday, the 14th of Adar. On the other hand, in...

Reward and punishment isn’t based simply on the act itself but the way the act is done too - We should always try to prevail upon...

Samuel Anoints David as King (1 Samuel 16) In the Book of Shmuel (Chapter 1), an incident is recounted that Hannah, wife of Elkana, could...

How Yaakov Avinu’s prayers endure for us too, why Yaakov didn’t want to kill Eisav and how Eretz Yisrael was saved by General Rommel’s...

The unimaginable wickedness of Eisav, and how Yaakov Avinu outwitted him and rightfully acquired the birthright and received the Berachot...

Do kindness to everyone, unconditional of whether or not you think they are a great person, and regardless of whether they are a Jew or a...

During the past few days, we have discussed the Mitzvah of honoring one’s parents. We have mentioned that those who honor their parents...

From Serious to Joy by Rabbi Jeremy Rosen There is a line in the Book of Psalms that reads “Rejoice in trembling” (Psalms 2:11) that...

As Yom Kippur closes we must ensure that we have repented and be like HaShem’s children! Ideas which Maran tz”l said on Yom HaKippurim in...

From a discourse delivered by Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”l compiled by his grandson, Harav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a We are about to...

It is customary to eat red meat and sweet foods on the days of Rosh Hashanah, as the verse in Nechemia states, “Go eat fatty foods and...

Excerpts From the Teachings of Maran Rabbeinu zt”l During the Month of Elul During the Mussaf prayer of Rosh Hashanah we recite, “For You...

Words from Maran zt”l for the Month of Elul In the Selichot, we recite Hashem’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, “ Hashem, Hashem El Rachum...

Our Sages (Kiddushin 40b) teach us that one should always view himself as half innocent and half guilty. If one performs one Mitzvah, one...

The verse in Kohelet (11:9) states: “Rejoice young man in your youth and let your heart cheer you up in your adolescence and walk in the...

For the Jewish People to succeed in battle they must first be free of the sin or murder, followed by Faith and Trust in Hashem, and then...

Reward and punishment, and creating spiritual garments to wear in the World to Come (From the teachings of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef...

Following halachic nightfall on Tisha Be’av which is approximately twenty minutes after sunset (somewhat later in the United States), one...

Deuteronomy 1-3:23 - What’s in a Name? by Rabbi Jeremy Rosen Why do we call this, the fifth book of the Torah, that we start this...

Understanding the power of the Mouth and Hashem’s Protection of His People, as well as exploring Bilam and other like-minded haters of...

Some insights into the Complex Mitzvah of “Parah Adumah” – How the observance of “Illogical” Mitzvot save Klal Yisrael From the teachings...