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Tefillah: Birum Olam: Prayer stands at the Pinnacle of the World Volume I Issue 3 In this series we will be exploring the meaning of prayer, and more specifically, of how to pray. In this issue we will examine what we should be praying for. Tefillah Thoughts What is it that we are supposed to be praying for? It is said (Shemos 20:20) lo saasun iti elohei chesef veilohei zahav lo saasun lachem, you shall not make [images of what is] with Me; gods of silver and gods of gold shall you not make fo… Continue

Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Re’eh 5768 Shabbos in the Parashah In this weeks parashah it is said (Devarim 7:12) Re’eh anochi nosein lifneichem hayom birachah ukelalah, see, I present before you today a blessing and a curse. The Sfas Emes (Re’eh 5631) cites his grandfather, the Chiddushei HaRim, who said that this verse teaches us that it was instilled in every single Jew that he could choose the blessing. It is for this reason that we recite every day the blessing baruch atah HaShem Elokeinu melech… Continue

Tefillah: Birum Olam: Prayer stands at the Pinnacle of the World Volume I Issue 2 In this series we will be exploring the meaning of prayer, and more specifically, of how to pray. In this issue we will examine the effects of prayer. Tefillah Thoughts From time to time we all must wonder if our prayers are being accepted. In this segment we will offer the explanation of the Mabit regarding prayer for the Ultimate Redemption, and this will shed light on our prayers for ourselves. The Mabit wri… Continue

Shabbos: Ta’am HaChaim Eikev 5768 Shabbos in the Parashah In this weeks parashah it is said (Devarim 7:12) vihaya Eikev tishmiun eis hamishpatim haeileh ushemartem vaasisem osam vishamar HaShem Elokecha lecho es habris vies hachesed asher nishba laavosecho, this shall be the reward when you hearken to these ordinances, and you observe and perform them; HaShem, your G-d, will safeguard for you the covenant and the kindness that He swore to your forefathers. Rashi quotes the Sifri that states th… Continue

Tefillah: Birum Olam: Prayer stands at the Pinnacle of the World Volume I Issue I This week’s parashah is Vaeschanan, where the Torah records that Moshe prayed before HaShem to allow him entry into Eretz Yisroel. The Medrash (See Daas Zekeinim Devarim 3:23) states that Moshe prayed five hundred and fifteen Tefillos, the gematria of the word Vaeschanan, in order to gain favor in HaShem’s eyes. It is clear that for Moshe, entering into Eretz Yisroel was of paramount importance. Can we even begin… Continue