Secular Avodah Zara
In Parshas Toldos, Yaakov Avinu shows great hesitancy at the ruse of his mother to dress up as his brother to receive the Brachos. The Medrash teaches that Yaakov feared to appear like one who worshipped Avodah Zara.
The Microcosm
As we continue learning Bilvavi, we discuss our role as a microcosm and the integral component of building a strong emunah, tapping into writings of the Bobover Ruv.
Why Working on Emunah is Essential
Emunah is the cornerstone of observance and survival within Yiddishkeit. We have mitzvos to guide our observance, but without real emunah, we lack the necessary relationship with HaShem to bring our mitzvos to life. We, in essence, according to the kabbalists, create an angel that can do good but lacks a voice. Our kevanah is…
Wholeness
What is a whole year? Every year, when we read the parsha of Chayei Sarah, I review the Rashi about the years of Sarah’s life.
The Relationship
To have a relationship with HaShem, we need to feel emunah in our neshamah. To get there, we need to understand our essence.
Cheshvan and a Foundation of Emunah
The month of Cheshvan is a great time to make solid progress on our chagim kabbalos. Let’s do the same with founding a strong base for emunah.
The Physicality is What Elevates
Rabbi Akiva Bruck writes, in his parsha sefer From Behind the Curtain on Parsha Vayeira, “[o]ne of the most fundamental ideas which the Chassidic masters wished to impart is that we all have the ability and the obligation to find the spiritual within the physical — to pull away the masks clothing this physical world…
Avodah for the High Holidays
The Yomin Noraim instill a sense of hesitancy, awe, and fear in the heart of a yid. The other holidays seem easy in comparison, at least from my perspective.
Master of Time
In parsha Nitzavim, we come across a theme of teshuvah to prepare us for Rosh Hoshanah and Yom Kippur. In fact, Nitzavim always precedes Rosh Hoshanah, so it seems quite timely that Ribono Shel Olam would give us this lesson.
Selichos
Selichos are here and Elul is soon coming to an end. Let’s cop a ride and get ourselves ready for Rosh Hashanah.
Don’t be “Casual”
When it comes to hashkafa, we need a reality check: the only life worth living is one living for HaShem. That’s accomplished via Torah study, performance of mitzvos, and trusting in HaShem. From there we have to recognize the supreme holiness of our Creator, HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and treat Him according to that position.
Pursuing Mitzvos, Geulah, and Selichos
In this week’s parsha we are given the mitzvos of bikkurim and maaser. It’s a very fascinating concept to receive these mitzvos just days away from Rosh Hashanah.