Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses learning from Avraham’s trait of Zerizus (see Rashi). The term zerizus does not easily translate into English because it represents a certain mindset that is less prevalent in current culture. The words that most closely fit are assiduous and zealous, but they aren’t perfect. Those words imply dedication and consistency which is within zerizus, but does not include quickness. On the other hand, the te …
Question: My son has struggled with a kind of constant but not so severe depression for a while. He has a lot of trouble moving forward, being productive, and is often just down. He is at the age where he should be starting shidduchim and many of his friends are dating. He has been working with a therapist and had been getting better but recently is not doing as well. His therapist has suggested that he see a psychiatrist to possib …
Our Gemara discusses certain tribes who were noted by the verses for Torah teaching and halakhic acumen. Issachar and Zevulun are labeled by cited verses for their ability in Torah teaching and halakha. The Gemara also considers the Tribe of Judah based on a verse, and then rejects it.
Apropos this passage in Deuteronomy, Rava said: You do not find a young Torah scholar who gives halakhic instruction unless he comes from t …
Our Gemara mentions that the ketores incense is a segulah for becoming wealthy. Even today, there are those who read the ketores from parchment so as to come as close as possible to fulfilling this mitzvah (Kaf HaChayyim 17:18).
What is special about the ketores?
The Zohar (II:218b) explains a number of spiritual benefits that the Ketores bestows:
One who smells the burning incense as it ascends experiences a great clarity of purpose and jo …
Our Gemara on Amud Beis quotes a verse in Psalms (55:15)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר יַ֭חְדָּו נַמְתִּ֣יק ס֑וֹד בְּבֵ֥ית אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים נְהַלֵּ֥ךְ בְּרָֽגֶשׁ׃
sweet was our fellowship; we walked together in God’s house.
Based on this verse, Ben Ish Chai (בן איש חי הלכות השנה א, מקץ), instructs one to pause a moment before entering a shul. During this moment he should me …
