For many, the name Stephen Covey will forever be synonymous with his highly acclaimed book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, one of the best selling self-help books of all time. Since its publication in 1989, over 25 million copies in 38 languages have been sold worldwide. It has become a must-read for almost […]
There’s a well known story about a very successful entrepreneur who came across a simple fishermen. The entrepreneur inquired as to why this man was just sitting back and taking it easy, as opposed to being out in his boat catching more fish. The fisherman replied that he had caught enough for his needs that […]
Eggs, hammer, table, coat, picture frame, car, air conditioner, book, door, glass. After reading the words above, you are probably wondering what sort of list this is. Do these items have anything in common, or are they a haphazard assortment of items totally unrelated to each other? While perusing the many different Torah portions that […]
Recently, two tenth grade students of mine shared with me a late-night/ early-morning conversation they had had. While I’m usually wary of teenagers’ discussions in the middle of the night, this one made me proud of them. Before Passover, these students were discussing the advantages of the Jewish calendar, which always provides us with something […]
This week’s Torah portion, Chukas, features the law of the red heifer, which is considered the quintessential illogical law in the Torah. The ashes of the red heifer were used to purify one who was ritually impure, yet these very same ashes would defile one who started off in a state of ritual purity. Although […]
Jews have been synonymous with charity since the formative days of the nation. Our father Abraham had four doors on his tent, one on each side, so that passersby from all sides would enter and feel welcome. Throughout our long history, each town that housed a Jewish community has had a special charity fund and […]
Several giants in the financial world have recently been making headlines. Apple, with sales of its highly popular iPhones, iPads and iPods going through the roof, has seen its stock price rocket to incredible highs. Social media giant Facebook is raising billions of dollars through its IPO. And unfortunately for JP Morgan Chase and their stockholders, […]
The concept of reward and punishment is part and parcel of life. From the moment we’re old enough to understand it, we’re faced with choices. If we listen to our parents and teachers and cooperate with our bosses we’ll be rewarded in some appropriate manner; if not, we’ll have to face the music. This motivation […]
Korach, a descendant of the Tribe of Levi, led a group of 250 people in a revolt against Moshe. His rebellion began after Moshe has appointed his brother Aaron as High Priest and a cousin as a leader of the Levites. This seemed like nepotism to Korach, as if Moshe was acting without G-d’s directive. […]
This week’s Torah portion, Kedoshim, delineates a multitude of mitzvos through which we can achieve sanctity, covering a wide variety of subjects, both positive commandments and negative injunctions. We are commanded to: Honor and fear our parents Guard the Shabbat from desecration Refrain from the worship of idols G-D instructs us to leave various gifts […]