When Hashem said “Let us make man…” (Bereishis/Genesis 1:26) He was speaking to the forces of creation that He had already brought into existence (cf. Targum Yonasan, Ramban). Why did some of the angels oppose the creation of man, and why did Hashem choose to ignore them? This fascinating account is based on the teachings Continue Reading »
Rabbi Shimshon ben Pesach of Ostropol הי״ד was murdered on the 25th of Tammuz (July 15, 1648) at Polonnoye, Volhynia, during the Khmelnytsky Uprising. When the Cossacks laid siege to Polonnoye, Rav Shimshon, with three-hundred of his followers, wearing their talleisim (prayer shawls) went to the synagogue and stood there praying until the Ukranians came and butchered them Continue Reading »
Text: Sichos HaRan 175. Speaker: Rabbi Zvi Aryeh Rosenfeld z”l. Rebbe Nachman assured his students that he was able to mitigate judgements against them through pleading each case in all 24 supernal courts.
Peaceful mealtimes reflect how offerings were brought in the once and future Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Based on Likutey Halakhos, Yoreh Deah, Treyfos 2, Para. 2. Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon.
The following is excerpted from the Drush of the Ben Ish Chai on Seder Birkhas haIlanos from his Pesach Haggadah. It can be downloaded and printed out. The bracha itself is on page 15 of the document.
Birkhas HaIlanos – “If one goes outside during the month of Nissan and sees trees that are blossoming he recites a blessing” (Berakhos 43b). Every year Hashem invites us to go for a walk under the open sky, find some fruit trees in bloom, and say Birkhas Ha’Ilanos – the blessing on seeing fruit blossoms: Continue Reading »
One of the ways we repair the damage caused by the sin of Adam and Chava is to separate a portion of the dough when we make bread. When the Beis HaMikdash is standing, this portion is given to the Kohen (priest). The question is: why does Hashem entrust this task specifically to women? Some Continue Reading »
It’s the “birthday” of the world, so all of creation joins in with our tefilos. Rabbi Nachman explains how every star and blade of grass lends its power to the yearnings of Am Yisroel for a good year filled with blessings. Text: Likutey Halakhos, Yoreh Deah 2, Orlah 4, Para. 27. Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon.
