Many times in the past – and, unfortunately of late as well – the institution of shechitah has come under intense and intrusive scrutiny. Devout Jews are suddenly made to feel that they need to defend their activities to the court of public opinion as being sufficiently humane and ethical. Historically, such inspection campaigns have been spearheaded by a wide assortment of groups; among them have been the Polish [...]
On the night of Pesach, as we sit assembled around the Seder table in front of open Haggados, we recount and relive the events of yetzias Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt). After performing some preliminary rituals and reciting parts of the text, we arrive at the main body of the Haggadah: the concentrated account of the Pesach story as recorded in Devarim (25:5-8). This central point of the Seder begins with a [...]
Shortchanged? Chas V’Shalom! Taking a quick overview of the three Avos (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya’akov) in sefer Bereishis, we notice something interesting. The Torah devotes significant space to discussing the life of Avraham Avinu. In parshas Lech Lecha, parshas Vayeira, and parshas Chayei Sarah, the narrative focuses primarily on Avraham. Ya’akov receives similar treatment. In a good portion of this week’s parshah of Toldos, as well as Vayeitzei and [...]
The Mishnah in Berachos (9:3) shows us what not to do in the event of a crisis (Heaven forbid): “If someone davens after the fact, his prayer is in vain. An example: A person arriving from a journey hears a cry of despair emanating from the city. If he were to respond by praying, ‘May it be Your Will that this cry did not emanate from my household,’ his [...]
Many of us are familiar with the inspiring narrative of Avraham in Ur Kasdim. When Terach learned that his idols were smashed by his son, Avraham, the irate father approached King Nimrod to complain about his “wayward” son. Summoned in front of the king, Avraham clung to his belief in the One True Hashem, despite the peril this entailed. Subsequently, he was cast into the flames of [...]
In praise of the mitzvah of milah, the Mishnah in Nedarim (3:11) makes the following statement: “Rebbi said: The greatness of circumcision is demonstrated by the fact that despite the countless number of mitzvos Avraham Avinu had already fulfilled, he was not considered “complete” until he was circumcised; as the possuk says (when introducing the commandment of circumcision in this week’s parshah): ‘Walk before Me, and you shall be complete,’ (Bereishis 17:1).” Let us keep in [...]
Powerful Words of Inspiration
From Rabbi Yissocher Frand
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