The Gift of Shema by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine When the Jewish people were ready to enter battle, a specially-appointed kohein would speak to the people. He would say, “Shema Yisroel-Listen Jews: We are ready to go into battle, and you must not fear. If there is anyone who is unworthy because of his sins, let more »

Do You Know You? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The mitzvah of Eglah Arufa is well known. If a person was found killed outside of the city, the sages must come and, with great gravity, perform a ritual acknowledging the loss. They must declare that it was not due to their negligence that the person was 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 »

by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine It was truly a tragedy. A person was found killed not far from the city. Law enforcement officials were called to the scene, but for all their efforts they could not find the killer. Totally at a loss, they followed the Torah directive for such a case. They called the High more »

By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine  Two of the most fascinating mitzvos in the Torah are the mitzvos of charity and loaning money without charging interest. Sometimes it is challenging to give up one’s own money to another person. “I too need MY money,” one might say. Even when considering a loan, one might ask, “Must I more »