What We Really Believe: Volume 6, Issue 38, Nitzavim-Vayelech

September 5, 2026; 23 Elul, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

In Parshas Nitzavim, Moshe Rabbeinu reminds the nation of what they observed while living among the nations: “And you saw their abominations and their repugnant idols, of wood and stone, silver and gold, which were with them.” (Devarim 29:16).

The verse is phrased unusually. The wood and stone idols are merely described as seen, while the silver and gold idols are described as “with them.” Rashi explains that the wooden and stone idols were left in public because their owners did not fear theft. The silver and gold idols, however, were kept “with them”—locked away in private treasure chambers—because their owners feared these costly idols might be stolen.

It would appear that Rashi is teaching us something deeper than the practical point that valuables are locked away while inexpensive items are left outside...

Click Here To Download Or Print

Where is Your Yarmulke?: Volume 6, Issue 37, Ki Savo

August 29, 2026; 16 Elul, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

As “Reuvain” stood on the threshold of graduation from law school, an unexpected summons from the dean interrupted the ordinary rhythm of his final days. A distinguished Wall Street law firm, the dean explained, had taken notice of him and was sending a representative to interview him.

Then came a word of caution from the dean, “We welcome all students here. No one has caused you difficulty because of your Yarmulke,” he said, pronouncing the word correctly, “or because of those strings coming from your pants,” referring to Reuvain’s Tzitzis. “Nevertheless, for the interview, you may wish to consider removing your Yarmulke.”

For Reuvain, the only student who had worn a Yarmulke openly throughout law school, the request struck at his very identity. Removing it felt like betraying who he truly was. Yet, anxious about his career and his future, he wavered, composed himself, and entered the interview without it...

Click Here To Download Or Print

The Rebbe’s Receipt: Volume 6, Issue 36, Ki Seitzei

August 22, 2026; 9 Elul, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

After the Klausenberger Rebbe settled in Williamsburg in the years following the war, Jews from many walks of life came to him with Kvittlach — requests for his prayers on matters of health, livelihood, and other needs — together with a customary donation brought to the Rebbe. Such donations were universally regarded as a gift to the Rebbe for praying on the donor’s behalf.

The Klausenberger Rebbe, however, refused to regard the money as his own. He donated it to Tzedakah, issued a receipt from one of the She’eiris HaPleitah institutions, and directed the funds there...

Click Here To Download Or Print