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The Implications of the Mitzva of Kiddush Hashem
The concept of a kiddush Hashem is so inherent to Jewish life, yet so misunderstood. What is its essence? Is it a mitzvah? Let us unveil its implications. In Parashat Emor, the Torah commands us: “You shall observe My commandments and perform them: I am God. You shall not desecrate My holy Name, and I
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What Is the Torah’s View on Birth Control?
The first mitzvah in the Torah is given to Adam: pru u’reveu u’maleh et ha’aretz. “Be fruitful and multiply and fill up the land”. From these words our sages derived that there is an obligation to have children, one that is so highly regarded it is called a ‘mitzva rabbah’. Indeed, family and the home
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Vayechi: Knowing the Strengths of Our Children
Yaakov Avinu, the esteemed father of the Shivtei Kah, gives each of his twelve sons final words of blessing and guidance in this week’s parsha. It is powerful to learn through the pesukim and view Yaakov’s vision of the potential of each of his children. Yaakov did not merely bless them as a group, as
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Tamar: Unholy Actions, Holy Outcomes
In Parshat Vayeishev, we are introduced to Tamar, an exemplary tzaddeket who was as righteous as she was beautiful (Midrash Hagadol 38, 7) . Tamar was the daughter of Shem, who survived the great flood with his father Noach and brothers Cham and Yefes. We are introduced to Tamar in the context of her marriage
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What Is Prophecy and Why Don’t We Have It Nowadays?
Prophecy, called nevuah in Hebrew, is found in numerous places in Tanach. It is considered a basic tenet of Judaism, but how exactly do we define prophecy and why is it not found in contemporary times? Rav Yaakov Weinberg zt”l defines prophecy as “the reality of man receiving a direct and clear message from God.
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Vayigash: A Tzaddik’s Approach to Expressing Emotions
One of the most poignant scenes in Tanach is described in this week’s parsha. The two sons of the adored Rachel, close brothers separated for 22 years, reunite and cry on each other’s shoulders. On the surface, this is a beautiful expression of long pent-up emotion, the relief to see each other, the pain over
