Rabbi Zvi Miller's Page

The Torah (Shulchan Aruch) advises us to approach Rosh HaShanah with absolute confidence that HaShem will find us meritorious. Therefore, we trust that we will emerge from the day in great happiness and joy.

However, Rosh HaShanah is a day of judgement. All of our deeds are weighed and our fate is decided for “life or death.” We know that we have not always done our best. If so, why are we advised to assume a confident attitude?

The following parable sheds light on this question…

A person, who is embarrassed to ask for clarification, will not learn.

[Avos 4:3]

The attribute of modesty is appropriate in every situation, except for learning. The nature of learning requires a give and take between teacher and student. When the student does not understand the concept presented by his teacher, he must ask for an explanation. If he does not seek an explanation, he will not be able to follow the class.

As obvious as this seems, human nature often interru…

We find a curious pattern in the Torah: Hashem first promises victory to Klal Yisrael and then cautions them not to panic. For instance He assures us (Devarim 20:2): ““When you go out to war against your enemy and you see horse and chariot, a great multitude of people who outnumber you, do not fear them because Hashem, your G-d, is with you -- Who brought you up from the land of Egypt.”

After this assurance Hashem warns them (Devarim 20:3): “….Listen O Israel, today you are close to ba…

PARSHA INSIGHTS\THE SAGES OF MUSSAR

The Torah (Devarim 30:16) states: “See – I have given to you today life and good…” The phraseology of this verse seems unsymmetrical because we usually contrast opposites. Accordingly, the verse should have said, “life and death;” or “good and bad.” If so, what message do we derive from this uncommon usage of language?

HaShem created the human being from a compound of spiritual and material components. The holy soul has countless worthy attrib…

One of the most important spiritual concepts of the Torah is Devakis, the state of being “Connected to HaShem.” That is, consciously aware of – and joyously experiencing – HaShem. Devakis is attained by actively contemplating on HaShem as per the verse (Devarim 11:22): “Attach to HaShem.”
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Our Patriarchs were masters of Devakis, i.e., they were consciously aware of HaShem in all situations of life. Even when they were engaged in a physical activity, they never lost the realization th…