Why We Really Fast on Yom Kippur – By Ben
As we approach Yom Kippur tomorrow night, I wanted to relate an extraordinary teaching given by the Rosh Yeshiva of Shapell’s Darche Noam. It was a comprehensive lesson that I’m […]
Author Archives: eltram
Rosh Hashana – Five Years’ Difference — By Ben
It was 2012 Exactly five years ago this Rosh Hashana. I’m at the Aish Explanatory High Holiday service in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Rabbi is marching around the bimah, […]
Ki Savo – Joy to the Word
It’s 7:25 am …and I’m standing in the Beis Medrish, eyes closed, having just taken three steps forward. The study hall/shul of the Shapells Darchi Noam Yeshiva is silent. I’m […]
Ki Seitzei – Love, Kindness, and Death Sentences — By Ben
We all know the Torah is a book of love, caring, and kindness. And you really feel the love when the Torah commands us to sentence people to death. And […]
Arguments Against Arrogance: Pirkei Avos 2:5 — By Ben
After almost 6 weeks in Jerusalem my time at Machon Shlomo is coming to an end. Yet I’m not heading back to the states just yet. No, just switching yeshivas […]
Re’eh — Lookin’ Good ;) — By Ben
This week’s parsha starts out with the ultimate of ultimatums, will you choose blessing or curse? It’s very simple, just do all the commandments and you’ll get blessings. Easy stuff, […]
Eikev – Benching and Kvetching — By Ben
This week’s Torah portion continues Moses’ diatribe to the Jewish people. He rebukes them for the golden calf, he brings up the Meraglim (spies) again, he gives over the blessings […]
Students, Friends, and Teachers. Who to Fear and Who to Respect. — By Ben
It’s hard to believe I’ve been in Israel for 3 weeks and the first leg of my trip is already over. I’ve been at a yeshiva known as Machon Shlomo […]
3 Weeks, 9 Days, and 1 Hell of a Fast (Devarim) — By Ben
So I’ve been in Israel a little over two weeks now. Due to an unpredictable set of circumstances I’ve decided to study in a Yeshiva for 3 months. The dorms […]
Rashi Says What Now? (Matos) — By Ben
“Says Rashi…” “If you look at the Rashi…” “Rashi comments…” If you’ve attended a Torah class or read any articles about the Parsha or Gemara you’ve probably heard someone reference […]
Six Degrees Of Kosher Bacon 