The Power Of The Mazal – What Is The Torah’s Position On Lotteries?
The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 179:1) forbids lotteries by conclusively stating: “One should not inquire from stargazers and not through lotteries.”
This ruling is based on Tosafot (Shabbat 156a) who writes, “Lots and stargazing are one thing.”
Being A Talmid Chacham And The Point Of Inflection In Jewish Law – When Stupidity Becomes Wickedness
It’s not farfetched to say Kabbalah and Judaism work in paradoxes. One who considers himself a Talmid chacham, Mekubal or a humble person is by definition not one.
There are exceptions, of course.
Intriguing Secrets Of Tashlich On Rosh HaShanah – Cleansing One’s Sins
At first glance, Tashlich appears to be a tradition with origins not much older than the medieval era.
This assumption is partly because neither the Talmud nor the writings and correspondences of the Geonim make mention of it.
David HaMelech’s Mistake Of Counting Jews And Fiery Insights On The Power Of Desire
One of the most frightening incidences in Tanach is when Hashem tempts David HaMelech to count the Jewish people for no perceivable reason, leading to a disastrous plague.
As the verse states, “The anger of Hashem again flared against Israel and he incited David against them, saying, ‘Go count Israel and Yehuda!’”
Intriguing Insights On Jewish History – Did The Avot (Patriarchs) Keep The Torah?
What does it mean when the Midrash says that the Avot kept the entire Torah?
This week we have the first major communal sin of the golden calf in Parshat Ki Tisa. At that time, Hashem made a new covenant with us, which the Rambam (Issurei Bi’ah 13:1-4) likens to the conversion of non-Jews in our time.
The Awesome Holy Fire Of The Noam Elimelech (Rabbi Elimelech Mi’Lizhensk) – And The Kavanah Of 4 Mitot Beit Din
Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, renowned as the Noam Elimelech, was a pivotal figure in the Chassidic movement, hailing from Poland.
His seminal contributions include the insightful Torah commentary, “Noam Elimelech,” and the ethical guide, “Tzeitel Kattan,” reflecting his profound intellect and spiritual devotion.
Investigating Vital Jewish Ideas: If Praying To Hashem Works, Does He Change His Mind?
If you are a frum / spiritual person, then by definition, you assume that praying to Hashem is an important practice.
But, despite the basic religious obligation, why is that so?
Eliyahu HaNavi And The Secrets Of The Highest Souls From Shamayim
Eliyahu HaNavi stands as a towering figure among the greatest prophets, greatly revered in every Jewish home, particularly during the Pesach Seder.
Previously discussed, Eliyahu HaNavi was one of the rare individuals who ascended to Gan Eden in his physical form, having purified it to an extraordinary degree.
The Surprising Meaning Of The Segulah Of Parashat HaMan – Changing The Root In The Spiritual Realms
A segulah is a ritual that has power to change one’s mazal in the spiritual realms, and the most popular is arguably the Parashat HaMan
The concept of segulot holds a unique and fascinating place in the Torah, intertwining the threads of Halacha, Mussar and Kabbalah.
Introduction To The Fantastic Kabbalistic Secrets Of The Pitum HaKetoret – And The Awesome Segulot surrounding it
The Pitum HaKetoret (incense service) was the most elevated part of the Holy Temple and made the one offering it incredibly rich
The Pitum HaKetoret is a Mitzvah from the Torah, mandating the daily burning of incense in the “Beit Hamikdash” (Temple of Jerusalem).