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Trading Places! (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) Parashat Naso in the Diaspora The Parashah states, “The sacred offerings of each individual remain his own property. When they are given to the cohen, they become the [cohen’s] property” (Bamidbar 5:10). What does the Pasuk mean? Tosafot (Ta’anit 9a) quote the Chachamim from the Sifrei who...

by Ram ben Ze’ev Tzedakah: Justice, Not Performance There is a profound difference between what the world calls “charity” and what the Torah calls צדקה (tzedakah – righteousness, justice). The difference is not semantic; it is foundational. One is rooted in ego. The other in truth. The nations speak of charity as an act of kindness. It is optional, generous, even admirable. A person gives because he chooses to give, because he feels compassion, or, increasingly in our age, because he wishes...

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...

Imagine that you are the only Jew, with just this mitzvah to fulfil today - Don’t procrastinate, crack on with it now! (HaRav HaGaon Rav...

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

The intention of a donor determines how their money is best utilised by the Tzedakah From the teachings of Maran Rebbeinu Ovadia Yosef...

The Custom of the “Commemoration of the Half-Shekel”- The Seventh of Adar In the beginning of Parashat Ki-Tisa, which we read again not...

Regarding the custom of Kapparot, we have discussed in the past that this custom may be fulfilled through money. A bill is taken ($10,...

“Seek Hashem When He is Present” Our Sages teach us (Rosh Hashanah 18a) teach us that the words of the verse “Seek out Hashem when He is...

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...

by Ram ben Ze'ev Tzedakah: The Power of Charity to Heal and Protect The concept of tzedakah (charity) in Judaism goes far beyond the simple act of giving. While often translated as "charity," tzedakah is more accurately understood as "justice" or "righteousness." It is seen not merely as an ethical obligation but as a powerful force with spiritual, physical, and communal implications. In Jewish thought, tzedakah is a pathway to atonement, a source of protection from misfortune, and an act...

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...

Current Affairs For Our Times [said in 5765, Yet as Pertinent Today as Then! – The Future Sapphire Gates of Yerushalayim, Belief in our...

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

Trading Places! From the teachings of Maran Rebbeinu Ovadia Yosef ztvk”l (translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds...

The verse (Yeshaya, 58) states: “Will you not share your bread to the hungry and bring the poor who are cast out to your house; when you...

(Based on the Sermons of Maran Rabbeinu Ovadia Yosef zt”lCompiled by his Grandson, Hagaon Harav Yaakov Sasson Shlit”a) During the Omer...

by Ram ben Ze'ev The Sacred Silence: Understanding Anonymity in Jewish Charity In the bustling streets of our modern world, where social media feeds brim with self-promotion and so-called "acts of kindness" are sometimes staged or flaunted for public recognition, the concept of anonymity in charity may seem foreign to many. Yet, in the rich tapestry of Jewish tradition, the principle of performing acts of kindness quietly, without fanfare or seeking acknowledgment, holds profound...

In the beginning of Parashat Ki-Tisa, which we read again not long ago for Parashat Shekalim, the Torah commands the Jewish nation to...

The Days of Purim There are four primary Mitzvot on Purim: Megillah reading, Mishloach Manot, Matanot La’Evyonim, and the Purim Feast....

Exploring why the Egyptians struggled to accept Hashem’s Divine Providence when smitten with the plagues and what efforts we may make to...

Regarding the custom of Kapparot, we have discussed in the past that this custom may be fulfilled through money. A paper note is taken...

Our Sages taught that sometimes, although there may be a harsh decree hovering over an individual, “Repentance, prayer, and charity...

By studying Torah and observing the Mitzvot we ensure that Eretz Yisrael remains Am Yisrael’s and that we shall merit to angels...

The Torah introduces the momentous event of the giving of the Torah to the Jewish nation with the verse (Shemot 19), “On the third month...

by Rabbi Jeremy Rosen Shavuot starts on Thursday night and continues on Friday Night in the Diaspora. As far as the Bible was concerned,...

Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch begins Hilchot Pesach by saying: “We begin to inquire about the laws of Pesach thirty days before Pesach.” The...

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...

Simchah Shel Mitzvah - Explaining why when Yaakov Avinu and Yoseph met only Yaakov Recited the Shema From HaGaon Rav Zevadia HaCohen...

(Translated by our dear friend Rav Daniel Levy Shlit”a, Leeds UK) This Shabbat, after the Reading of the Torah, we shall read the...

by Bill White [Transcript] Let’s start by me confirming that I am NOT trying to convince anyone of my religious belief, which for the...