2018-04-19

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…

2018-04-16

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…

2018-04-15

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’…

2018-04-10

In his best-selling book, Predictably Irrational, Dan Ariely notes how very rare it is for humans to make decisions in absolute terms. Rather,…

2018-04-08

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…

2018-04-04

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Torah is its very real portrayal of its personalities. People—heroes and villains alike – are…

2018-03-25

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…

2018-03-12

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…

2018-03-07

It is axiomatic that Biblical laws are of greater importance than rabbinic laws. After all, the former emanate from a Divine Creator, whereas the…

2018-02-28

  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…

2018-02-20

“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…

2018-02-15

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…

2018-02-13

One of the differences between Ashkenazic and Sephardic culture, both religiously and otherwise, is in their view of the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem,…

2018-02-07

One of the highlights of learning with Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, zt”l, were his occasional “press conferences”, where we could…

2018-02-04

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…

2018-01-31

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…

2018-01-26

In 1964, as the Second Vatican Council was reassessing its most negative view of Jews and Judaism, Rabbi Soloveitchik penned Confrontation,…

2018-01-24

As all who study Daf Yomi are well aware, halacha and aggadah—the legal and extralegal portions of the Talmud—“co-exist” side…

2018-01-18

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…

2018-01-15

“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…

2018-01-09

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…

2018-01-07

“The oath of testimony applies to men, but not to women” (Shevuot 30a). Beginning with the fourth chapter of masechet Shevuot,…

2018-01-03

“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…

2017-12-31

"Whether one does much or one does little, [it matters little] provided one directs their heart towards heaven” (Shevuot 15a). The…