by Tadhg Cleary
Posted on October 6, 2022
The Rema—the great Halakhic Codifier of Ashkenazi Jewry—rules that we should build the sukkah on the day after Yom Kippur (starting even right after we break the fast) (Orach Chaim, 624:5-625:1). Some infer that, ideally, we are not supposed to even begin construction of the sukkah at all during the Aseret Yemei Teshuva—the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.…
A Reflection on Parashat Nitzavim
Parashat Nitzvim may reveal a deep connection between weight loss and Teshuva. Noom is a weight loss program which claims to be built on well-researched psychological principles. It requires no crash diets, no carb counting, no extreme exercise regimen. In fact, on Noom, all you have to do is scrupulously record everything you eat on their app.…
by Rabbi Shmuel Hain
Posted on September 22, 2022
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by Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom
Posted on September 21, 2022
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On the Reflective Power of Symbols
What can we do to ensure that our deepest, most enduring relationships remain effective, vibrant, and resonant? How do successful relationships survive the pressure of the tough times, or even just the eroding banality of mundane life? Ki Tavo tells of the establishment of a new covenant between Am Yisrael and HaShem.…
What Biblical Workers’ Rights can Teach us about Privatizing the Public Domain
The law locks up the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common But leaves the greater villain loose Who steals the common from off the goose. The law demands that we atone When we take things we do not own But leaves the lords and ladies fine Who take things that are yours and mine.…
by Adam Cohen
Posted on September 1, 2022
https://openclipart.org/detail/284463/group-therapy Someone with a drug addiction has two main options when it comes to rehab, and both are completely different extremes. They could choose normality. I want to keep things as normal as possible, live my every-day life, have my family and friends there to support me and go to a rehab in my local community. …
by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 25, 2022
Do I kiss somebody because I love them or feel love for that person after I kiss them? William James does not think that we lose something valuable and cry because we are sad. Or that we meet a bear, are frightened and run.…
by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 18, 2022
A few months ago, I traveled to the Polish border with Ukraine, where a constant stream of refugees were arriving, having had their lives uprooted. Most had been on foot for several days, carrying little children and their belongings. They had walked about 25 miles, including a final 3 mile walk from the train station by the border.…
by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 11, 2022
In March 2020, a theory emerged that many people loved. By April 2020, it had been completely shot down. I am talking about the idea that coronavirus, or life in lockdown, had an equalizing effect. It did not discriminate against anyone!…
by Adam Cohen
Posted on August 4, 2022
Imagine you see a busker playing the violin in a train station. You give them money as you walk past and carry on with your day. But it is a shame in a way. Just 30 more seconds of your time and you could have taken this mitzvah to the next level.…