by Rabbi Yechezkel Frankel, yeshiva.co, translated by Hillel Fendel
"What is the source of Jewish strength? Let us be clear that we're not talking about military prowess, strong abilities in various fields, charisma, or even the strength to endure difficulties. Jewish power is of a totally different nature. It has a bit of all the above, but it also has an extra element, something wondrous and different – even bordering on a craziness..."
by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, yeshiva.co, translated by Hillel Fendel
This week's Torah portion of Tazria tells us that when a boy is born, the schedule is as follows: The mother is in a state of Niddah – ritual impurity – for seven days; on the eighth day, the baby is circumcised, and the mother begins a period of 33 days in which she is pure despite any discharge (although she may not touch something holy or enter the sanctuary). If a girl is born, the mother is impure for 14 days and pure for 66.
The question begs itself: Why is everything doubled when a girl is born?
[Ed. note] This question was asked some 16 years ago, but the message of its response is unfortunately still relevant.
Q. Following the Expulsion from Gush Katif, there has been talk of late of [reentering] this area, from which terrorists continually fire rockets at Israel. Must I, as a soldier, agree to this? Just because the Prime Minister made a ridiculous decision to leave, saying that we will return if we have to, does this justify forcing us simple soldiers to be the ones to carry out this dangerous and nonsensical policy? Is the value of "unity" within Israel important enough that I have to endanger my life for it? And why need we enter Gaza altogether; why can't we just bomb them from the air, and not have to endanger ourselves?
by Rav Netanel Yosifun, yeshiva.co, translated by Hillel Fendel
As is known, everything about the Red Heifer is shrouded in mystery, and the location of its sprinkling is no exception. He who understands it will discover something fascinating
by Rav Re'em HaCohen, translated by Hillel Fendel
"The Zohar brilliantly asks: 'Why was Moshe able to stand before the Divine Presence on Mt. Sinai, but not down on earth?'..."
by Rav Isser Klonsky, translated by Hillel Fendel
Beyond the sanctity of the pious and righteous ones is that of Clal Yisrael.
by Rav Zalman Baruch Melamed, translated by Hillel Fendel
The Talmud says Israel's redemption will come quickly, but stage after stage.
by Rav Zalman Baruch Melamed, yeshiva.org, translated by Hillel Fendel
The concept of "Democracy First!" is becoming more extreme in Israel, and especially among left-wingers. The gaps between this extreme approach and the Torah view are widening - cause for great concern among those who wish to preserve the nation's unity. How can such unity be maintained in the face of these widening gaps? In the eyes of those who wave exclusively the banner of democracy, those who speak about the segula (unique holy nature) of Israel, and those who constantly seek to clarify the Torah view on the difference between Jews and gentiles, are racist. And someone who writes and disseminates an article about Israel's segula is liable to be accused of incitement to racism.
by Rav Netanel Yosifun, yeshiva.org, translated by Hillel Fendel
A certain very industrious businessman went to a personal coach, hoping to learn how to make the most of his time and become more time-effective. The coach asked to see his personal day-planner, and looked quickly through it. He put it down and asked one question: "I see that whatever is important to you is written down – so why don't I see any family time? If family is important to you, then you have to set times for it in your schedule!"
Anyone who has learned anything about using time efficiently and getting things done, knows that if you want to advance a certain matter, you must allocate a specific time for it. Important things can't be left for "in between," just by the by.
by Rav Yehuda HaKohen, visionmag.org
It's important to recognize the internal development of the Hebrew tribes from the Exodus from Egypt to the Brit Sinai and consecration of the Mishkan.
