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ב"ה

Vayechi 5765 - December 24, 2004

Siege Mentality

When faced with a tragedy we mourn. But we also ask ourselves: what positive element lies buried within this negative experience? We cannot always see it. But we always look for it
Parshah
Vayechi in a Nutshell
Jacob blesses each of his sons before his passing. He is buried in the Cave of Machpelah in the Holy Land. Joseph dies at age 110, and asks his descendants to bury his remains in the Holy Land. This comes to pass only years later, upon the exodus from Egypt.
Story
Inside, Outside

"Always remember," said my teacher, "that it is better to be on the outside looking in, than on the inside looking out..."
Author of Controversial Exposé Warned by Heaven Inc.
"Your publication of these secret protocols of Heaven's business is outrageous and unacceptable. The notion that this revolution would tap into an essence-light rather than the standard glimmer in effect today is totally irrelevant to our discussion..."
Is Judaism a Cult?

I have nothing against religion, but could it be that religious Judaism is a cult? I bumped into an old classmate who has become totally religious. After speaking to her, I felt that she is brainwashed . . .
Parenting
Identify the Driving Force

We need to take charge of our thoughts, instead of allowing our thoughts to take charge of us
Why was the First Temple destroyed? Because there was idolatry, promiscuity and murder. But the Second Temple, at which time they were occupied in Torah, mitzvot and charity, why was it destroyed? Because there was baseless hatred between them.
— Talmud, Yoma 9b
Print Magazine

It’s G-d’s world. Everything He gives is good, the sweetest good.

But it is often a good far too great for us to understand. We imagine it is not good, because that’s the only way to make sense of it with our small minds.

Yet the truth is, He gives us all the good we can handle. If we could take more, He would g...