Tag: Shoftim

Graphic Image!

The Torah instructs us to appoint honest and wise judges in each city, stating, “Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof – You shall surely pursue righteousness.” Based on this, the official stamp of the great sage Rabbi Akiva Eiger had a picture of a scale with the aforementioned verse underneath. The signet of the great kabbalist, Rabbi Avraham …

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So Far!

I am nearing the end of the eleven months for which I am saying Kaddish and leading the services in memory of my father of blessed memory. I read a story that gave me pause to reflect on the significance of always having in mind to be near a Minyan so that I can properly …

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Build!

I recently read an article by Rabbi Berel Wein where he shared a powerful and insightful, one-liner, from Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahanamin o.b.m. the world renown, Ponevitcher Rav. Rabbi Kahanamin was famous for exuding a genuine enthusiastic love towards his fellow Jews. There was a disturbing incident in Israel where some misguided individuals threw stones …

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Extra Protection!

The Torah discusses how Jews should engage in war once they arrive in the land of Israel, and it details their marching orders. When the soldiers gathered, a Kohain appointed over military matters, addresses the troops and gives them the following charge. “Hear O Israel, today you are coming near to the battle against your …

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Exemptions!

The Torah instructs that whenever the Jewish nation went out to war, a Kohain entrusted with matters of wars along with a Judge, give a charge to the troops as the troops amassed at the edge of the battlefield. They announced the following exemptions: “Anyone who has built a house and has not yet resided …

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Royal Visit!

My grandfather used to relate in Yiddish the tale of someone who insisted on not having a clock in his home and not wearing a watch. When he was asked how he knew the time he said, “I simply ask someone.” But how do you find the time when you awake in the middle of …

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Conscious About Guilt

(Torah Portion Shoftim) Conscious About Guilt King David writes in the Book of Psalms, “G-d is close to all those who call upon Him sincerely.” Rabbi Mattisyahu Solomon asks an obvious question: “If one is calling out to G-d, isn’t he naturally calling out sincerely. What does King David mean by, G-d listens – to …

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Elevation Through Kindness!

(Torah Portion Shoftim) Elevation Through Kindness! Finding ourselves in the month of Elul, it is imperative that we focus on how we can elevate ourselves. Reb Elya Lopian o.b.m. a man who was steeped in refined ethical behavior, made a personal commitment to do a Chesed – an act of kindness, for another person each …

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The Big Eraser!

(Torah Portion Shoftim) The Big Eraser! Once, during King David’s rule over the Land of Israel, a strange pattern developed; each day, exactly 100 Jewish people died. This disturbed King David and he realized that he was being sent a Heavenly message. Through his gift of Divine spirit and inspiration, King David perceived that the …

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Dream On!

(Torah Portion Shoftim) Dream On! Yesterday was the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul, a significant month regarding our preparations for the High Holidays. During this month and continuing through Yom Kippur, a period of 40 days, our leader Moshe was in Heaven pleading and securing G-d’s atonement for the Jewish nation’s sin …

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