Rabbi's Greetings

Dear STOCS Friend:   How should we understand the nature of the great Flood that engulfed the world in the time of Noach? Undoubtedly, it was a punishment, a direct response to humanity's corruption and moral decay. Yet it should not be seen only as a catastrophe that destroyed the world. Was it, in fact, also an act that saved the world, cleansing and resetting it for renewal? Or might there be a unique perspective on the Flood’s deeper purpose and meaning? Following the e

Dear STOCS Friend: In memory of my dear beloved wife Devorah Laya bas Rachmiel Yitzchok Halevi. Her third yahrzeit is this Shabbas. With all of Klal Yisroel beginning the Torah again from Braishis, the following question comes up: If Hashem is infinite, how is He able to fit in our universe? The Midrash explains that God  engaged in a tzimtzum , contraction,  thereby He has the “ability” to fit in the  universe. Rav  Soloveitchek points out that this tzimtzum was for the sake

Dear STOCS Friend: Parashat Shelach reminds us of the profound significance of the Land of Israel. Moses sends twelve spies to scout the...

Dear STOCS Friend: This week, we have the special privilege of reading a double portion: Acharei Mot–K’doshim . The title of Rabbi Joseph...

Dear STOCS Friend: When discussing the upcoming double Parasha, Tazria-Metzora, much attention is often given to how the power of words...

Dear STOCS Friend: As many are aware I do not grow up observant. I was in my mid-teens, living in West Hempstead, Long Island on Redmont...

Dear STOCS Friend:   The Five Books of Moses mention the holiness of Shabbat at least twelve times. Hashem sought to instill within the...

Dear STOCS Friend:   The Jewish people are standing at the shore of the Sea of Reeds.  They are paralyzed by the sight of the Egyptian...

D ear STOCS Friend:    The first two plagues inflicted upon Egypt were imitated on a smaller scale by the Egyptian magicians. However,...

Dear STOCS Friend:   This week has been an emotional roller coaster for the families of the hostages. Rabbi Sacks introduced a poignant...