To maintain our emotional and spiritual health, we must look for opportunities to practice daily soul-searching and self-assessment. That way, we open a window to our souls. Let's look inside and ask ourselves why we're not… [Read more...]

The age-old expression says to grab the bull by its horns. What does that mean? And why did the ancient Greeks command the Jews to, "Write on the horn of the bull that you have no portion in the G-d of Israel," Heaven forbid? In 22 centuries, nothing has changed...… [Read more...]

Events in Israel today are the continuation of a perpetual war that began 22 centuries ago with the war between the Greeks and the Maccabees. Intrinsically, this is the war between human intellect and emuna, between assimilation and loyalty to… [Read more...]

Political correctness and social convention can only prevail when people act like sheep and cast aside truth and morality for the sake of convenience. This is how entire societies succumb to evil. Only the courageous - like the Maccabees - are willing to stand up for what's right, with no… [Read more...]

Chanukah can't be happy if it's not healthy. The Rambam, whose health and nutritional advice are uncontested to this day, would undoubtedly shudder at the thought of a deep-fried donut doused in powdered white sugar and filled with sugary… [Read more...]

The Rambam doesn't believe in the concept of "nutrition in a pill." He teaches that we maintain health by doing Hashem's will, which includes eating as natural as possible. This includes avoiding dangerous and unhealthy substances, like the many that are found today in processed… [Read more...]

In the academic world, ancient Greek philosophy is society's archetype of intellectual prowess. Spiritually, though, it leads to darkness. In stark contrast, the light of Torah and its commandments illuminate the soul and bring happiness to the heart. This is the Chanukah juxtaposition of Greek and… [Read more...]

A wayfarer encounters an encampment of tents. He immediately knows that these are the tents of the righteous. How? The sound of jubilant music and singing echoes across the… [Read more...]

A person needs something badly. Despite looking for all kinds of solutions, he knows in his heart that only Hashem can grant his request. But he doesn't feel like praying. Yet, he knows that even if he does pray, it won't be fervent or sincere. What should he… [Read more...]

Who bows down to idols anymore? Sadly enough, most of the world does. They devote their lives to serving futility, endeavors of no consequence that cannot help a person in times of… [Read more...]

Dealing with life's challenges is, in effect, "spiritual resistance training." To overcome them without succumbing to anxiety, depression and a host of other negative emotions, we need Hashem's… [Read more...]

Did you ever notice how couples from northern climates often celebrate the arrival of newborns less than a year after their Miami Beach, Palm Springs or Eilat vacation? The enhanced sunlight they enjoyed, with its extra dose of vitamin D, might deserve some of the credit. This is the vitamin that I… [Read more...]