The Melancholy of Aharon and Lincoln – A Vort for Parshas B’Haaloscha

The Melancholy of Aharon and Lincoln – A Vort for Parshas B’Haaloscha The Melancholy of Aharon and Lincoln – A Vort for Parshas B’Haaloscha President Lincoln’s depression is one of the most interesting chapters of American history.  Although it may not be taught in grade school, Lincoln’s friends, family, and political colleagues all knew of […]

Vignette of a Famous Rabbi- The Real Matanot L’evyonim

Vignette of a Famous Rabbi- The Real Matanot L’evyonim Vignette of a Famous Rabbi- The Real Matanot L’evyonim The Rambam (Hilchot Megilah 2:17) tells us that the most important mitzvah one can perform on Purim day is matanot l’evyonim – gifts to the destitute.  We usually understand this to mean gifts of food or money […]

Slavery, Psychology, and Bibi’s Or Hachaim: A Vort for Parshas Shemos

Slavery, Psychology, and Bibi’s Or Hachaim: A Vort for Parshas Shemos Slavery, Psychology, and Bibi’s Or Hachaim: A Vort for Parshas Shemos British psychologist Steve Taylor describes a phenomenon he discovered in his research which he calls, SITE – “Suffering Induced Transformational Experiences”.  Taylor found that individuals who went through painful experiences (medical, emotional, loss, […]