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Does Hashem Expect Us to Be Flawless? August 16, 2026 by Ariella Pinsky Rav Amnon Bazak writes of his Yeshiva high school experience: “The rabbis in my yeshiva high school …all believed that one who truly wishes to serve God must totally cut himself off from this world and devote himself entirely to God. A true Torah scholar is someone who overpowers all his passions, rises above all his weaknesses, and all his life enjoys the splendor of the Shekhina. This model was a great challenge;… attractive and… Read more
Forgiveness Lessons from the Story of Yosef August 16, 2026 by Jordyn Stone Forgiveness and teshuva (repentance) are the focal points of the months of Elul and Tishrei. Tishrei is marked by the Yamim Noraim, and Elul before it constitutes the last opportunities to make things right for the previous year. That said, forgiveness is not always straightforward. The model story in the Chumash for repentance and forgiveness is that of Yosef and his brothers. Using this narrative, we can delve into the intricacies of forgiveness and see… Read more
Ki Teitzei: The Non-Jewish Woman Captive August 16, 2026 by Tamara Klein This week’s parsha begins with the perplexing scenario of eishet yefat toar. Literally translated as “woman of beautiful appearance,” the pesukim outline that under circumstances of war, a Jewish soldier who sees a non-Jewish female captive may take her as his wife, following certain conditions. Here, we will discuss and explore some of the depth behind this widely misunderstood part of Torah, and use it to enhance our avoda this Elul.  “And [if] you will… Read more