Balak 5778

 “Whoever has these three traits is of the students of our father Avraham, and [whoever has] three other (i.e. opposite) traits is [a student] of Bilaam the wicked: [one who has] a good outlook, a humble spirit and a meek soul is of the students of our father Avraham. [One who has] a negative outlook, a haughty spirit, and a greedy soul is among the students of Bilaam the wicked.

(Pirkei Avot 5:22)

Clean Language

As the elevator doors opened, Sarah carefully lifted the garbage bag that was resting at her feet. Mindful to not tear the bag, Sarah walked a few steps down the sidewalk, in the direction of the communal dumpster.

Chukat 5778

“…and it was that if a snake had bitten a person…”
(Bamidbar 21:9)

Lawn and Order

Nachum opened the door to his house, walked into the living room, and sank down into his favorite arm chair. After a full day at work, and a long ride on the train, he was pleased to have a few minutes of quiet, to himself.

Nachum was startled by the sound of someone pounding on the door. “Help! Help!” called a voice from the other side.

Korach 5778 - Lubavitcher Rebbe story

 Last week we sent out a story that was not translated into english. Attached are photos and an audio of the amazing story, which was sent to us by Rav Mendy Mochkin, from Canada.

Korach 5778

“Separate from amidst this assembly…”

(Bamidbar 15:21)

We learn from this that all components of prayer which sanctify the name of G-d should be recited amidst a quorum of men. (Gemara Megilla 23b)

Quorum Forum

(From Igrot Kodesh section 11, 3645)

Sh'lach 5778

“…and they found a man gathering wood on the day of Shabbat”

(Bamidbar 15:32)

Emergency Recall 

(From Shu”t Harav Harashi, pg. 329)

Shmuel woke up from his Shabbat nap, and slowly sat up in bed. Suddenly, he felt as if he could barely breathe! Desperately, he gasped “Yehuda! Doctor!” His son was immediately at his side. He took one look at Shmuel, and ran to the phone to call an ambulance.