Category Archives: Uncategorized

The flames of the menorah, a perfect row of lights are magnificent.  But then there is the shamash, just a little higher, in a row by itself.  If a person devotes his life to self-enhancement, self-perfection, to growth, that’s wonderful, … Continue reading →

The gemara (Succah 5) states that the Shechinah never descends below ten tefachim.  However, Hashem makes sure that no Jew will be detached from Him. So, during the miracle of Chanukah, Hashem kiveyachol comes down below ten tefachim. He comes … Continue reading →

Chanukah comes from the word, chinuch, which means training, to train oneself, or to train children, to act properly.  The holiday is called Chanukah because during these eight days, we teach ourselves to serve Hashem properly. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman

Every candle that is lit for a mitzvah is extremely holy.  If we had ruach hakodesh, we would perceive the future when we light those candles, just like a navi giving over what he heard from Hashem’s mouth.  ~ Kav … Continue reading →

There are two ways to awaken someone: either with a loud sound or by turning on the lights. On Rosh Hashanah, we are awakened by the loud call of the shofar.  On Chanukah, we are awakened by the bright lights … Continue reading →

Yosef HaTzaddik stood tall and triumphed in the face of his nisayon, test. You know why? Because he had a father.  He had a father who told him of his destiny, told him he was great and destined for greatness.  … Continue reading →

Develop the habit of seeing other people as they see themselves.  All anger, all hatred, all quarrels arise because a person views the situation from his own perspective, and fails to see himself from the viewpoint of the other person. … Continue reading →

A Jew must be as careful of his actions in life just as a person playing chess thinks carefully before his next move. Weigh what you’re planning to do to see if you might end up regretting your move. ~ … Continue reading →

The Ben Ish Chai suggests that when you have a new idea regarding how to earn money and you foresee yourself becoming wealthy, the Torah warns, make a fence around your mind.  Do what you need to do to attain … Continue reading →

The pasuk tells us that a tzaddik falls seven times, then gets up. It doesn’t say “if” he falls, he’ll get up, but that he will certainly fall – and then get up. Find me someone who achieved something worthwhile … Continue reading →