Noach-A Resilient People By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine “Noach was a good man.” That is clear from the Torah. Yet, the Talmud presents a discussion resulting from the words “a good man in his generation.” Some say this is meant to praise while others say this is meant to talk of a shortcoming. “In his generation,” more »
Eat, Drink…For Tomorrow By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The day preceding Yom Kippur is an anomaly on the Jewish Calendar. Although Yom Kippur is a solemn day, the day before it is a day of semi-celebration. We do not recite tachanun; it is a mitzvah to eat and drink. What is the significance of this day more »
The Leaves of Life by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine In less than twenty four hours the holy day of Rosh Hashana will begin. Rosh Hashana is known by its many facets. As the start of the new year, it is known as a day of judgment and reassessment. It is also the day that first man more »
A New Resolution by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine When Moshe was looking for a successor, G-d advised him that his student, Yehoshua, was the person of choice. Although there were many eligible people for the job, Yehoshua’s devotion until that point made him most suited for the position. “Yehoshua never left the Tent.” “The Tent,” refers more »
Pregnant with Goodness by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Tochacha, or rebuke, is one of the hardest sections of the Torah to read. Even the Baal Koreh, with a normally proud and strong voice, suddenly sounds strained and weak as he reads about the exile and the ensuing tragedies. But among the worst, is the statement, more »
Compounded Interests by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The prohibition against charging interest is a fascinating one. In the world of banking, it is normal for a lender to charge interest on a loan. This charge is similar to the charge that a car rental company imposes if you want to us their product. If you want more »
Beyond Recycling By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Our generation has started to pay attention. As more and more disposable items enter the market, we have come to realize that we must pay attention to proper usage and to the disposal of items we have used. The concept of recycling finds its roots in the mitzvah of more »
Are you a U-Man? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine With the fast of Tishah B’av completed, one of the most difficult times of the year is finally behind us. But the perspectives gained can propel us into the upcoming, joyous, holiday season. The Talmud asks, “Why was the Temple destroyed?” The Talmud answers, “Because of unjustified more »
by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Parsha begins by telling us that Moshe, at the end of his life, gathered the people to deliver rebuke. He listed their shortcomings one after another. He included the incident of the golden calf, the spies, Korach’s rebellion and more. Amazingly, the people took his words to heart and didn’t more »
“This is not normal…” by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Ask a group of Jews, “What is your most meaningful day on the Jewish calendar?” and you are bound to get a variety of answers. Some will say “Yom Kippur”. After all it is the holiest day of the year. Others will say “Pesach”. That’s when we more »