E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Stick Figures

admin — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:44:31 +0000

By Rabbi Yisrael Rutman Like most people, I have never been able to draw more than stick figures. And so, each time the need has arisen to draw something I have been frustrated by that limitation, the inability of the hand to illustrate what the eye can see beyond the most primitive results. But recently I have found a certain consolation in the discovery that there is more to stick figures than I thought.

Stick Figures is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Parshas Bo

admin — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:53:07 +0000

by Rabbi Yechezkel Fox Pharaoh in Pajamas: The Physiognomy of the Fallen After the plague of darkness, Pharaoh told Moshe that he didn't want to see him any more. Moshe said, "True have you spoken. I shall never see your face again." Ch.10/29 Nevertheless, we do find that they met again, during the night of the slaying of the first-born (see12/31). But this requires explanation, since Moshe was a man of truth, and his words were prophecy. Is it possible that he was wrong? continue reading

Parshas Bo is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Two Hundred Million Tweets A Day Can’t Be Wrong

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:49:56 +0000

Once upon a time, sociologists wondered how people would cope over time with the anonymity and uprootedness of urban life. Today, we have an answer: Social networking. Twitter, Facebook and the others have enabled millions to make connections and to some extent overcome loneliness.

Two Hundred Million Tweets A Day Can’t Be Wrong is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Parshas Vayechi

admin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:39:55 +0000

Sword and Bow And I have given you Shechem - one (portion) more than your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow. Ch.48/8 After Shimon and Levi killed all the men in Shechem, the surrounding nations gathered to fight with Yaakov. Here Yaakov tells us that he single-handedly defeated them with his sword and bow. Rashi quotes the Sages that his sword refers to his wisdom, his bow was his prayer. But how did the Sages know that these terms were not to be taken literally? Perhaps Yaakov was a mighty warrior, like Dovid HaMelech (King David) or Shimshon? continue reading

Parshas Vayechi is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Chanukkah: A Happiness Greater Than Latkes

admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:44:51 +0000

There is something about Chanukkah. The joy of the festival, it has often been observed, crosses the religious-secular divide and almost every other barrier. It has even become a tradition in the White House, where Democratic and Republican presidents alike preside over a Chanukkah ceremony.

Chanukkah: A Happiness Greater Than Latkes is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Parshas Mikeitz

admin — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 21:24:09 +0000

Three Hints to Chanukah As this parsha usually falls out the same time as Chanukah, we shall try and make the connection between them. The Greeks made three decrees against the Jews: Kiddush HaChodesh (sanctifying the new moon at the beginning of the month), Mila (circumcision) and Shabbos. To remind us of the eternity of the Jewish people and that our connection to the mitzvot can never be broken, all three of these mizvot are hinted at in the parsha. continue reading

Parshas Mikeitz is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

What Have You Done For Jonathan Pollard Lately?

admin — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:21:23 +0000

In recent days the campaign to secure the freedom of Jonathan Pollard, who has just begun his 27th year in prison for spying for Israel, has reached unprecedented levels. Last week, Vice President Joe Biden became the highest-ranking US official ever to meet with advocates for Pollard.

What Have You Done For Jonathan Pollard Lately? is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Parshas Vayishlach

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:13:48 +0000

Death Insurance And Yaakov became very frightened and it distressed him. So he divided the people with him, and the flocks, and the cattle, and the camels, into two camps. And he said, "If Esov comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the remaining camp will be a refuge." Ch.32/8-9 Rashi comments on the last phrase: Against Esov's will, because I will do battle with him. Why was Yaakov so confident that the second camp would escape? Maybe Esov would defeat Yaakov and then go on to destroy the second camp? continue reading

Parshas Vayishlach is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Gilad Shalit Is Not A Hero

admin — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:48:21 +0000

It's about a month since Gilad Shalit has come home and the euphoria has faded. So much so, that a few days ago the former chief of the Mossad, Meir Dagan, felt that it was time he could speak his mind about it. Dagan said that it was wrong to treat Shalit like a hero. He's not a hero, he said. Actually, it was Aviva Shalit, Gilad's mother, who used the word "hero."

Gilad Shalit Is Not A Hero is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine

Chayei Sarah

admin — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:01:29 +0000

All or Nothing "And G-d blessed Avraham with all." (Bereishis 24:1) The true tsadik (righteous person) is, by definition, a model of selflessness. His main concern is what G-d wants of him, and what other people want and need. His own material substance, beyond maintaining his health and strength to serve G-d, is of little concern to him. continue reading

Chayei Sarah is a post from: E-geress Online Torah Magazine