I had the privilege of learning Torah from several grandsons of Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky.
One of them told me that his grandfather was convinced that Chazal (our Sages from the time of the Mishnah and Gemara) would have decreed against cars.
Hashkafa
This is a very broad category where I will include topics from the most mundane to the sublime. The point it, Judaism is not merely concerned with Jewish law. There is also deep concern with every aspect of life.
Jewish Meditation Course
It was the Shabbat after Rosh HaShana. I was at shul for mincha. And because it was a bright, sunny day most of the lower windows in the shul were open.
It was time to take out the Sefer Torah. I stood and moved towards the ark.
As I did I heard an odd noise over my left shoulder.
Hacked
Introduction
As I announced on Facebook, Thinking Torah was hacked about ten days ago.
I thought it would be worthwhile to write a few words about the whole event and my thoughts about the experience.
How to Change a Habit
I was troubled during the Yom Kippur prayers.
Toward the end of the amidah (standing prayer) we beseech God, “May it be Your will that I don’t sin any more.”
Inspiration For After Yom Kippur
This morning I received an email that I’m sure many rabbis would have been proud to write.
Though not the author’s intent, it is a very powerful message as we leave Yom Kippur behind and move into the rest of the year.
Jeremiah – Book Review
Last night I had the privilege of hearing Rabbi Dr. Binyamin Lau speak at the Jerusalem Great Synagogue.
It was the official launch of his book Jeremiah – The Fate of a Prophet.
A Lesson From Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey taught his son how to take care of their lawn.
The story is recorded in his classic book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Blessing the Trees
Birkat Ha-ilanot 5773
Today is Rosh Chodesh Nisan.
Rosh Chodesh Nisan has a special place in Jewish history.
We read at the end of Shemot / Exodus (Judaica Press translation):
To Turn In a Thief
Two prominent rabbis in Israel have recently made statements about tax evasion and turning in those who cheat.
Here’s the article from Arutz Sheva:
Haveil Havalim 396
Election
I think it’s hard to start with any topic other than last week’s election.
Rivkah writing at Bat Aliyah tells us that it took only ten minutes to cast her ballot.