torah

All You Need is Love

All You Need is Love

Judaism is commonly understood to be a very action oriented religion. We’ve even come to describe commitment to Judaism based upon levels of “observance”. Demographers and community planners are drawn to visible indicators of Jewish commitment that can be quantified – Shabbat, Kashrut, Tzedakah, Torah study and involvement with Israel. Yet the Torah repeatedly whispers to us that there is more - an inner and ultimate goal - “love the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 11:13, 22). The contrast between
isaiah 29:13 love
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Homecoming

Homecoming

Fortunately, the very next Shabbat we were in LA in an Orthodox home, all arranged by Rabbi Parry. He showed us around and helped us out. This experience was even better then the Chanukah party. I was so extremely happy that my host said that I seemed to be bubbling over with joy several times. I am still amazed when I look back at this experience. It was like coming home from a long trip, not even knowing that you were gone. After several years of marriage my husband and I became interested i
chabad homecoming
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
A Tale of Two Mountains

A Tale of Two Mountains

The University Crisis A Tale of Two Mountains by: Rabbi YY Jacobson Children's Wisdom A new teacher was trying to make use of her psychology courses. She started her class by saying, "Everyone who thinks he's stupid, please stand up!" After a few seconds, little Johnny stood up. The teacher was surprised, but realized this was an opportune moment to help the poor child. "Do you think you're stupid, Johnny?" she asked. "Why do you feel so my dear child?" "No, ma'am," Johnny replied, "but I
rabbi yy jacobson tale of two mountains
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
What Are You Smoking?

What Are You Smoking?

Question of the Week: I read an article by a professor in Israel who suggests that the revelation at Mt Sinai was actually a drug-induced hallucination. I thought it was a ridiculous proposition, but it did get me thinking. How do we know that it was indeed G-d who spoke to Moses and not some mind-altering mushroom? Answer: I read that article too. I am not sure what that professor was smoking when he wrote it. There are ways to test whether a revelation is truly divine or just the product o
g-d israel
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Who Owns Judaism?

Who Owns Judaism?

Why the Desert Was the Most Suitable Space for Torah? The Desert This week's Torah portion, named "Bamidbar," which means "in the desert," is always read preceding the holiday of Shavuos, when we celebrate the giving of the Torah at Sinai, more than 3,300 years ago, in the year 1313 BCE (1). One reason for this is because the Torah was given "bamidbar," in a desert. It was at Mt. Sinai in the Sinai desert where the Hebrews were molded into a nation and given the blueprint for repairing the wo
bamidbar desert
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Question of the Week: Is being Religious Synonymous with Neurotic?

Question of the Week: Is being Religious Synonymous with Neurotic?

My religious observance has started to become neurotic. I am forever worried if I am doing things 100% right. Did I say the correct blessing? Did I wash my hands correctly before the meal? Did I accidently break Shabbos? I am scared I am becoming compulsive. On the other hand, I do want to take Jewish law seriously. Can I be fully observant and not go mad? Answer: Being careful about mitzvos is a very good thing. When it comes to fulfilling the Divine will, every detail matters. But there is a
jewish law shabbos
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Tisha B’Av – Mourning the Destruction

Tisha B’Av – Mourning the Destruction

The ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av begins tonight (Wednesday, July 29) at sunset. This day marks the anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, in 423 BCE and 69 CE by the Babylonians and the Romans respectively. (There are a couple of ways to figure the count, so you may sometimes see slightly different dates given.) Throughout Jewish history, many other calamities of note happened or began on this same day. It is observed as a day of fasting and mou
jerusalem synagogue
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Judaism is Nice, But Isn't it More Important to Feed the Hungry?

Judaism is Nice, But Isn't it More Important to Feed the Hungry?

By Aron Moss Question: Each year, we Jews spend so many millions of dollars, and devote so much time and energy, to building synagogues, Jewish schools, and a slew of other religious and academic institutions. Wouldn't it be better if we applied all those resources to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and working to alleviate all the horrendous suffering that goes on in so many places in the world? Answer: Why do you care about the homeless? What's it your business? Are they members
charity hebrew bible
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz