![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/cup-1010918_640.jpg?itok=6WfVuaId)
We have often commented on the fact that our tradition does not shy away from pointing out the weaknesses and failings of our great Sages. This idea…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/cup-2192114_640.jpg?itok=cA4ppnat)
Not every question has an answer and not every problem has a solution. This may be depressing for some, especially the young and idealistic (all…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/good-1123013_640.jpg?itok=ozbZ-gks)
Judaism has long rejected the notion that the ends justify the means. One of the most basic of Talmudic rules is that a mitzvah haba b’…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/iraq-80381_640.jpg?itok=LAMRYSlu)
In his best-selling book, Predictably Irrational, Dan Ariely notes how very rare it is for humans to make decisions in absolute terms. Rather,…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/umpire-1492493_640_0.jpg?itok=cwuyU8FU)
In the days before instant replay took over much of sports officiating[1], the rule of thumb was that the ‘umpire is right even when he is…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/honesty-wallpaper-2593757_640.jpg?itok=Dm_TEATx)
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Torah is its very real portrayal of its personalities. People—heroes and villains alike – are…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/29623585_847509542039686_5337315099499560960_n.jpg?itok=TIbfTWhU)
It is the rare business that looks to create competition for itself. In fact, the success of a CEO is often judged less by profits than by market…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/barber-1453064_640.jpg?itok=hJ_d3CzJ)
Imagine going to the barber and fearing that barber may take his razor and slit your throat. Or going to a doctor who may purposely give you medicine…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/vote-2042580_640.png?itok=poc-KWrw)
It is axiomatic that Biblical laws are of greater importance than rabbinic laws. After all, the former emanate from a Divine Creator, whereas the…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/accounting-3175108_640.jpg?itok=tDDP42Vc)
Considering the amount of time one spends at work, there is little sadder than being in a job one does not like. How wonderful it is when…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/tefillin-1297846_640_0.jpg?itok=7NBeiNxm)
“The age of five for the study of Tanach, the age of ten for Mishna and the age of fifteen for Talmud[1]” (Pirkei Avot 5:21). Our Sages…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/arch-of-constantine-3044634_640.jpg?itok=XOzFt6Nh)
While we often tend to view the ancient Romans as evil enemies out to eradicate Judaism and kill Jews, the truth is that the relationship between…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/hebrew-letters-2730159_640.jpg?itok=ELS9ilAF)
One of the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic culture, both religiously and otherwise, is in their view of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem,…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/branca24s-3-web.jpg?itok=6VSXYXZ2)
One of the highlights of learning with Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, zt”l, were his occasional “press conferences”, where we could…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/aid-1807541_640.jpg?itok=1ADixON5)
When seeking out expert opinion on any matter, it is irresponsible not to get a second opinion. It is the rare—and foolhardy—person who…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/speed-161171_640.png?itok=IOb6H5dI)
Forty years is a long time. In Biblical numerology, the number 40 indicates transformation. Forty is the number of days it takes for a fetus to…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/600x600/public/2024-05/shutterstock_1203865201.jpg?itok=hDPfX4vz)
In 1964, as the Second Vatican Council was reassessing its most negative view of Jews and Judaism, Rabbi Soloveitchik penned Confrontation,…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/colosseum-3017708_640.jpg?itok=c5yJStvZ)
As all who study Daf Yomi are well aware, halacha and aggadah—the legal and extralegal portions of the Talmud—“co-exist” side…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/euro-1353420_640.jpg?itok=OcpgdLX9)
It would be hard to argue with the notion that the primary goal for the Torah is for all to know that there is one G-d who is Master of the Universe…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/businessman-3036181_640.jpg?itok=GDXqbS2q)
“All who take an oath, take an oath and are exempt [from payment]” (Shevuot 45a). Violating an oath ranks amongst the most serious of transgressions…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/elections-1527438_640.jpg?itok=YEBdujUo)
In a recent highly publicized murder trial in Toronto, the jury was not told that the accused – who acted as his own lawyer - had recently been…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/case-law-677940_640.jpg?itok=bQyW1u_9)
“The oath of testimony applies to men, but not to women” (Shevuot 30a). Beginning with the fourth chapter of masechet Shevuot,…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/camel-2500618_640.jpg?itok=j53giY3U)
“Lo tissa, do not raise[1] the name of the Lord your G-d in vain” (Shemot 20:7). After affirming the existence of the G-d who took us out of Egypt…
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_big_600x/public/siddur-776367_640.jpg?itok=vhmsWDpi)
"Whether one does much or one does little, [it matters little] provided one directs their heart towards heaven” (Shevuot 15a). The…