The IRS Needs Proof: Volume 6, Issue 11, Vayechi

January 3, 2026; 14 Teves, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

Recognized for his compassion, dedication to his students, and unwavering integrity, Rav Manis Mandel ZT”L was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He held the position of Menahel at the Yeshiva of Brooklyn for more than sixty years and was widely regarded as “the principal's principal.”

Many years ago, Rav Mandel was selected for an IRS audit. During the review, the auditor observed, “You reported $1,900 in charitable contributions on your tax return but have provided receipts for only $1,400, leaving a discrepancy of $500”...

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The Psychology of Shame: Volume 6, Issue 10, Vayigash

December 27, 2025; 7 Teves, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

When Yosef sends his brothers back to Canaan to bring Yaakov to him, he tells the brothers, "Do not quarrel on the way." Rashi explains this in several ways including the following: "According to the simple meaning of the verse, we can say that since they were ashamed, he was concerned that they would perhaps quarrel on the way about his being sold, debating with one another, and saying, 'Because of you he was sold. You slandered him and caused us to hate him.'"

This commentary by Rashi shows a deep awareness of how integrity can be undermined...

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To Comfort a Mourner: Volume 6, Issue 9, Mikeitz

December 20, 2025; 30 Kislev, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

In the early 2000s, a fellow student at Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Queens, NY, experienced the loss of his mother, who passed away unexpectedly at a young age. Along with several friends, I traveled from Queens to Brooklyn to pay a Shivah call.

As anticipated, the atmosphere in the Shivah home was deeply somber. Although we endeavored to find the right words of comfort, it became apparent that none of us found the right words to console the bereaved family. After some time, our group approached the mourners, recited “Hamakom Yenacheim Es’chem,” and respectfully departed...

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