Thoughts for the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, and because caring for one’s health is part of two Torah mitzvot of "V’nish’martem me’od l’naf’sho’tay’chem" and "hatzalat n’fashoat" (guarding and…
Thoughts for the Heart
In honor of American Heart Month, and because caring for your own health is part of two Torah mitzvot of “V’nish’martem me’od l’naf’sho’tay’chem” and “hatzalat n’fashoat” (guarding and…
Va’eira 5767-2007
"Even a Hardened Heart has a Silver Lining" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In last week's parasha, parashat Shemot, G-d instructed Moses that when he finally confronts Pharaoh he should…
Va’eira 5780-2019
“G-d Hardens Pharaoh's Heart: Reconciling Omniscience with Free Will” (revised and updated from Va’eira 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Va'eira,…
Duties of the Heart
The concept of “being spiritual” is often assumed to be a fairly recent one, resulting, perhaps, from the enlightenment’s deconstruction of organized religion. The idea of…
Duties of the Heart
The concept of “being spiritual” is often assumed to be a fairly recent one, resulting, perhaps, from the enlightenment’s deconstruction of organized religion. The idea of…
Shabbat, The Heart of Unity
Shabbat is one of the Ten Commandments, and is one of the most frequently referred-to mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. Shabbat is regarded as the “heart” of Jewish life. It sets a…
Forgive In Your Heart
The first step in forgiving a person is letting go of resentment in your heart, even before the other person seeks your forgiveness.
Giving With a Full Heart
There is a well-known adage that asserts that “It is better to give than to receive.” When you do give, make sure to give with a full heart. This week’s Torah portion, Terumah, begins…
Take To Heart
Take the words of the prophets to heart and try to be more proactive in helping others.