This year Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbos and Sunday. The Shofar is not sounded on the Shabbos because the sages were concerned that in one’s zeal to fulfill the mitzvah he might come to desecrate the Shabbos. The Talmud explains that this rule is hinted at in the Torah where Rosh Hashana is called, “a …
Category: 5780
Sep 03
The True You!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
The great commentator, Baal Haturim, culls a fascinating list of 70 Names that allude to G-d. Some of these Names of G-d have special holiness and we may not say them in vain. Ad-o-noy and E-lo-him are two of these special Names and these are mentioned most often in our blessings and prayers. These two …
Aug 27
Heaven Within Reach!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
There are seventy-four Mitzvos contained in this week’s Parsha. One mitzvah is that the Torah instructs one who lent his fellow an interest free loan, and the lender wishes to take some type of collateral to ensure that the loan will be repaid; the Torah gives specific rules as to how it should be done. …
Aug 20
Extra Protection!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
The Torah discusses how Jews should engage in war once they arrive in the land of Israel, and it details their marching orders. When the soldiers gathered, a Kohain appointed over military matters, addresses the troops and gives them the following charge. “Hear O Israel, today you are coming near to the battle against your …
Aug 13
Opportunities!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
The opportunity to share some good news amidst the current crisis is most welcome. My father, who was hospitalized for over three months while on a respirator battling Covid, has thank G-d made a miraculous recovery and is currently in a rehab with the prospect of returning home in the near future. Thank G-d! There …
Aug 05
Wear It!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
The word “Mitzvos” occurs many times in this week’s Parsha. When we perform Mitzvos as we are supposed to, G-d guarantees us blessing. G-d is not only interested in the big Mitzvos; the ones that we may think are insignificant are what matter, as they show that we are in a relationship with the Almighty. …
Jul 29
Out of Order!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
The Book of Eicha – Lamentations – is chanted in a sorrowful tune on Tisha B’Av. This Megilla was scribed by the Prophet Jeremiah before the destruction of the first Temple as a warning to the people. Unfortunately, it fell on deaf ears and his prophetic words became a reality when the Babylonians destroyed the …
Jul 23
A Tranquil World!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Devorim
This Shabbos we begin reading the fifth book of the Torah – Devorim / Deuteronomy. Our Sages call this Book, Mishne Torah – the repetition of Torah – for our leader Moshe, 37 days before his death, taught the Jewish people many new laws and also repeated laws that were previously written. G-d instructed Moshe …
Jul 16
Say What!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Bamidbar
The words one expresses are extremely powerful and effective. We see how binding and serious speech is from the laws the Torah presents concerning expressing oaths and vows. Although the Torah tells us, “Do not profane your words,” in the context of keeping one’s vows, commentators apply this to all aspects of our speech – …
Jul 09
Tap Into!
- By Dovid Saks in 5780, Bamidbar
There are people in our history who were unwittingly thrust into the limelight and one could have speculated that they would be unlikely to succeed. Some examples: Our leader Moshe had a speech impediment and was personally not interested in leadership, yet he became the greatest leader, teacher and prophet to ever live. In this …
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Rabbi Dovid Saks, Director
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Parshas Ki Seitzei
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