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Understanding the Concept of Serving Hashem with Joy
Psalm 100, or “Mizmor l’Todah,” is a familiar Psalm due to its inclusion in Shacharit. It begins with: מִזְמ֥וֹר לְתוֹדָ֑ה הָרִ֥יעוּ לַ֝ה’ כָּל־הָאָֽרֶץ׃ A psalm for praise. Raise a shout for the LORD, all the earth; This psalm continues with it’s most well-known verse: עִבְד֣וּ אֶת־ה’ בְּשִׂמְחָ֑ה בֹּ֥אוּ לְ֝פָנָ֗יו בִּרְנָנָֽה׃ Serve the LORD in gladness;…
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Artificial Or Genuine Intelligence: A Torah Approach to AI
Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, has rapidly become one of the most influential technologies of the modern era. Not long ago, the idea of a machine that could write, translate, analyze information, create images, or hold a sophisticated conversation belonged to the realm of science fiction. Today, AI is woven into everyday life. At…
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My Experience with Special Needs Individuals
I was blessed to grow up with three older brothers, my oldest having a rare genetic bone disease called McCune Albright Syndrome. In short, the disease limited Shane’s physical abilities (due to frequent bone fractures and tissues being torn), issues with his internal organs, facial abnormalities, and a plethora of health issues in addition to…
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What Is the Connection between Sukkot, Simcha and Olam HaBa?
The concept of ruchniyut (spirituality) is built on three fundamental elements: Hashem (God), the neshama (soul), and Olam HaBa (the World to Come). Each of the three holidays around this time of year—Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot—corresponds to one of these elements. Rosh Hashanah is linked to Hashem, as it is the day we…
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A Woman Spy: Where Halacha and Bravery Meet
In the recent war with Iran, it emerged that a French Jewish journalist turned Israeli spy, Catherine Peretz-Shakdam, completed missions for the Mossad under the guise of an Islamic conversion. Her espionage missions, vital for Operation Rising Lion, necessitated her marrying an Iranian Shiite husband. How far can a female Jewish spy go to save…
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The Halachot of Yom Kippur
“Erev” Yom Kippur Fasting Washing “Issur Melacha” All melachot that are prohibited on Shabbat are prohibited on Yom Kippur. Anointing The prohibition of anointing on Yom Kippur means that one may not spread oils on one’s body. Wearing leather shoes Leather shoes may not be worn, while those of other materials may, including rubber, cloth,…
