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In Hashem’s promise to Avraham, he is told that his descendants will be like the stars in the sky and like the dust of the earth — and in Parshat Vayeira, like the sand on the seashore. Each of these metaphors holds deep meaning for us as individuals and as a community. A star shines…
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Money can be a big yetzer hara (temptation) — not just in the pursuit of earning it but even in the way we talk about it. It’s easy to comment on the success of others, attributing their wealth to family connections, a lucky break, or a well-timed investment. This kind of talk can shift our…
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Let me ask you something – how often do you check your phone to see if anyone liked your latest post, commented on your story, or even just viewed your content? If you’re anything like me, that “just checking” habit can get out of hand. It becomes a cycle. You share something, refresh the page…
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In Parshat Noach, we’re introduced to Noach, a tzaddik in his generation, who follows Hashem’s instructions to build the Teiva (ark) as a refuge from the impending flood. However, there’s a curious detail: Noach doesn’t actually enter the Teiva until the rain is so fierce that he has no choice but to go inside. Why…
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In Parshat Noach, we learn that Noach was 600 years old when he entered the Teva (ark) and lived for 350 years after the flood, reaching a final age of 950. Yet, if we calculate his life, there appears to be a “missing” year. Where did that year go? The flood, we know, lasted an…
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A Sukkot Wake-Up Call This past Sukkot, we had a lot to celebrate. One night, I was walking home from shul when I heard music and saw people dancing out of sheer joy in the street. So, of course, I joined in, soaking up the celebration. Later, my wife showed me a video of the…
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When Hashem created the world, He commanded plants and trees to sprout, but curiously, they held back just beneath the surface of the earth. Why? Because they were waiting for Adam to come into the picture, to sense the need for growth, and to daven (pray) for rain. Only then did the plants burst through…
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When Hashem created Adam, He made him unique, setting him apart from the animals in every way. But Adam had a task to fulfill: he was to name every living creature, defining each one based on its essence and purpose. As he observed each species, he noticed that every animal had a mate—each with a…
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Why Do We Say Vidui on Erev Yom Kippur? Something about Erev Yom Kippur seems really out of place. Let me explain. Over Yom Kippur, we said vidui, the confession of sins, nine times. But what seems out of place is that one of those times is during Mincha before we eat our final meal…
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Lessons From Kids I absolutely love my kids. Each one of them is unique, with their own special qualities and personality quirks that bring so much joy to my life. Some of the younger ones are particularly eager to help out at times, around the house. They take their “job” very seriously, creating detailed schedules…
