As we mentioned in previous articles, the lighting of the Menorah represents the teaching of Torah to Klall Yisroel, and more specifically, a Rebbe's teaching to his students. In this article, we plan, בעז"ה , to offer a number of new insights into our topic, based on two pesukim at the beginning of our Parsha…
Today, it is widely accepted that it is preferable to stress the positive aspects of a child's behavior and reduce the emphasis on their lackings. In fact, we find this idea in Chazal who said, "four things need chizuk", two of them being Torah and derech eretz, which covers most of a child's involvements. However,…
There are parents who try to force their left-handed children to use their right hand. They are making a mistake that, according to experts, can adversely effect the child’s brain. The parents of left-handed children should accept them as they were created. Tzedakah, according to Kabbalah, should be given with the right hand—even by lefties….
“Reb Zechariya,” asked the Rosh Yeshiva at the weekly staff meeting, “what’s new with Rafael?” Has he learned to speak with a clean tongue?” “I actually intended to bring up the problem of Rafael’s speech in our meeting today. It seems to be getting worse, not better,” retorted Reb Zechariya. “Let’s take a step back…
How does the korbon Omer differ from other korbonos (sacrificies)? While each korbon effects the day on which it is brought or the person offering it, the korbon Omer triggers a daily counting of 49 days climaxing in the holiday of Shavuos. Now, the sefer Hachinuch counts the counting of the Omer and the offering…
“It’s my fault that Reuvane didn’t show,” responded Reuvane’s mother on the telephone to the Rosh Yeshiva. "He actually wanted to come to the Yeshiva, but I told him that none of the boys were leaving the house. Who knows what that despot from Baghdad has in mind, and I want my boys to be…
"Yosi, why did you leave the evening seder early?" asked the night mashgiach (attending Rabbi). "I don’t know why," answered Yosi, "but I just find Gemorah boring." "Yosi," retored the mashgiach, "are you experienced enough with the Gemorah to label it as boring? Do you put forth an extended effort to understand the Gemorah?" "Not…
Reaching One’s Students "ואתה תצוה" "תצוה" can be understood to mean "צוותא" – connection/togetherness – meaning Hashem commanded Moshe to identify with and connect with the people (שפ"א תצוה ליקוטים). Only then would the people heed his words to bring to him the olive oil for the Menorah, as the posuk says, "ואתה תצוה (צוותא)…
Sometimes a child has a difficult year at school. Sometimes he has a difficult month, week or even day. Inevitably, poor performance leads to a depressed feeling and a lessened desire to succeed in school. While we, as parents, have the obligation to investigate why our child is having a difficult time, it’s just as…
“I want my son to love Torah”, Mrs. Green told the veteran principal, urging her son to sit still during his interview. “I think it would be more appropriate to hope that the Torah will love your son”, retorted the principal. Mrs. Green almost turned blue. Until now, she had thought and even preached to…