A Lingering Impression: Volume 6, Issue 17, Tetzaveh

February 28, 2026; 11 Adar, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

In the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Hashem says to Moshe: “And you shall draw close to you, your brother Aharon… from among Bnei Yisrael to serve Me as Kohanim…” (Shemos 28:1)

The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 37:2) explains the need for Hashem to tell Moshe to draw Aharon close to him. The Midrash states: “When Moshe descended from Sinai and saw Bnei Yisrael engaged in that act [with the golden calf], he looked at Aharon striking it [the golden calf] with a hammer. Aharon intended to delay the worship of the golden calf (by working on it himself to slow the process) until Moshe would descend the mountain...

Click Here To Download Or Print

To Lie for the Sake of Honesty: Volume 6, Issue 16, Terumah

February 21, 2026; 4 Adar, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

QUESTION: Dear Rabbi, I recently read an intriguing study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology (January 30, 2024), which found that in some situations, people may actually lie to seem more honest—even if it means losing money. For instance, lawyers who logged exceptionally long hours would sometimes report fewer billable hours so their clients wouldn't think they were being overcharged. Is this a permissible practice?

ANSWER: Before I respond, it is important to understand how law firm billing works...

Click Here To Download Or Print

The Truth Behind the Song: Volume 6, Issue 15, Yisro

February 7, 2026; 20 Shevat, 5786 Sponsored anonymously for the Refuah Shleimah of Yair Nissan Ben Sara

Chazal (the Sages) teach us that the seal of Hashem is truth (Shabbos 55a). It is not merely one of His attributes. It is His signature upon creation. And because every Jew carries within himself a Chelek Elokah Mima'al (a piece of Hashem from above), that same seal of truth is imprinted upon every Neshamah (soul).

Naomi Shemer is recognized as one of Israel's leading composers. Her 1967 song "Yerushalayim Shel Zahav" grew so popular that many regarded it as the country's unofficial national anthem. Yet, controversy lingered around the composition for years, as some critics claimed Shemer had taken its melody from "Pello Joxepe," a Basque lullaby...

Click Here To Download Or Print