In "Was the Shofar The Word’s First Ad? And If So, For What?" the article draws parallels between the shofar's disruptive call during High Holy Days and advertising stunts, urging a personal "brand audit" or cheshbon hanefesh—soul accounting. It likens teshuva to a business pivot, emphasizing honest self-reflection on reputation, interactions, and life stories, rather than superficial resolutions, to reposition oneself authentically post-Yom Kippur.

In "The Relationship Reset," Yehudah Kamman links Rosh Hashana’s renewal to relationships, using the crowning of God as King to symbolize marital polarity. He urges men to embody integrity and presence for safety, enabling wives to soften and exalt them as kings, while men honor wives as queens for mutual growth. Acts like apologies or shared visions, echoing teshuva’s effort, reset this balance, with the shofar sparking new love.

In "Dovid Lieder: The Shabbat Catering King," the article highlights Australian immigrant David Lieder, who built a kosher catering empire in Pico-Robertson from synagogue kitchen roots. Using a "two-day model" for Shabbat meals, he focuses on quality, innovation (AI recipes), and community support, aiding competitors and global kosher access. Serving diverse clients like yoga moms and moguls, Lieder aims for worldwide logistics, turning constraints into opportunities for his

In "Beyond the Headlines," Sivan Rahav Meir mourns Charlie Kirk, a murdered supporter of the Jewish people, urging awareness of media narratives. She finds hope in the "Haftarot of Consolation," predicting an end to violence and a faith-protected Israel. As the last Shabbat of 5785 nears, she highlights Parashat Nitzavim's message of accessible redemption and the final haftarah's promise of joy, wishing for a sweet new year.

On February 24, 2022, Rabbi Yitzchak Halfon and his wife Hodayah fled Kharkiv as Russian missiles fell, turning their escape into a prophetic rescue mission. Drawing from Megillat Esther's "for such a time as this," they founded Kanfei Emuna, evacuating thousands of Ukrainian Jews, elderly without heat, men evading conscription, and families, amidst ongoing war, blending divine providence with human courage to preserve lives and futures.

In Halacha, Tzar Baalei Chayim (causing pain to animals) is forbidden, but killing an animal for human benefit is permissible, such as ending a dying pet's suffering painlessly via euthanasia. This outweighs prolonging life with costly care, though direct cruelty is avoided; contrastingly, mercy killing humans is prohibited.

In "The Trap of ‘De-Satiation’," R’ Eman Chayim explores Parshat Netzavim’s warning against rationalizing indulgence, citing Ramban’s insight that chasing desires reverses satisfaction, turning the quenched into the thirsty. This "Trap of De-Satiation" deepens unfulfillment, as the yetzer hara grows hungrier with indulgence. The solution lies not in suppression but in redirecting desires into productive outlets, guided by wisdom and support, transforming cravings into a fulfi

At Ben Gurion Airport, Shmuel Mashiach sparked a movement by challenging teens from NCSY’s TJJ program to keep four Shabbosos for a $1,000 reward, inspiring a boy named Eyal and others to embrace their heritage. When security nearly confiscated his challah knife, a supervisor, moved by Mashiach’s words, bent rules to return it and vowed to reclaim his own Shabbos, igniting a ripple of renewed Jewish commitment.

In "Derech Eretz: Table Manners, Part Two," kids express dinner dilemmas—helping prepare food and set the table, yet disliking the main dish or sides, wondering if they must eat or shout! Parents offer a smart fix: kids can swap disliked meals for rice cakes with peanut butter or preferred veggies from the cupboard, ensuring nutrition and peace at the table.

In "3 Ways to Happier Days," Gabe Silverstein shares Rabbi Zeleg Pliskin's three-step formula for happiness: 1) Appreciate and enjoy the little things, like health and possessions, without relying on them for joy; 2) Find the positive in every situation, reframing setbacks as growth opportunities; 3) Talk and act joyously, smiling and standing tall to shift your mood. Happiness is a mindset accessible now, not dependent on achievements or stuff, enabling personal potential an

In "Torah is a recipe for Shalom Bayit," the podcast highlights the Torah's essential role in fostering family peace, yet notes people's reluctance due to fears of losing habits like watching TV or gaining duties like early prayer. It frames teshuva, appearing eight times in ten Nitzavim verses, not as change but as a return—recalling the free childhood conversations with God that fade with age. Sincere teshuva is presented as a yearning to reconnect, guiding us back to a fam

In a Labor Day shiur at LINK Kollel, Rabbi Dr. Jason Weiner explored “The Right Not to Know,” debating how much to tell seriously ill patients. Citing Shulchan Aruch, he favored shielding them from distressing news for mental tranquility, even allowing Shabbat desecration. He also addressed viduy, AI, and genetic testing, stressing the need for rabbinic guidance.

In "Beyond the Headlines," Sivan Rahav Meir finds purpose in Israel's challenges through the "Haftarot of Consolation" and reflects on the Kaddish after the Ramot junction attack. She shares Ravid Katz's moving Birkat Kohanim before his death on October 7th, and highlights the spiritual awakening during Selichot prayers at the Western Wall and beyond.

In Parashat Ki Tavo, God mandates a verbal tithe declaration, despite knowing our hearts, teaching a marital lesson: like a husband expressing love to strengthen his bond, verbalizing feelings clarifies intent and deepens relationships. This mirrors God’s creation command, “Let there be light,” promoting shalom bayit through open expression.

On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated during his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, struck by a sniper’s bullet from over 200 yards away. A key figure in the MAGA movement and Turning Point USA co-founder, Kirk’s death has sparked debate over security lapses and the toxic political rhetoric fueling violence in America. Amid polarized reactions, his loss challenges the nation to address civility and safety for

Parashat Ki Tavo opens with “Vehaya,” echoing HaShem’s name and His promise of the Land of Israel, fulfilled through the merit of our forefathers, as hinted by “Ki-Tavo” (numerical value 439), marking the end of exile before the 440th year entry. The first mitzvah, Bikurim, involves offering the seven species,wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates,in the Beit HaMikdash, symbolizing gratitude and the unification of spiritual and physical realms, as per Ka

Young Israel of Los Angeles invites the community to a Shabbat Dinner on September 19, 2025, starting with Mincha at 6:00 pm and Seudat Shabbat at 6:30 pm. Open to all, the event offers a traditional meal, Torah insights, and singing for $50 (adults), $15 (children), or $250 (sponsors), with limited space requiring advance registration at yilastore@com or info@yila.org.

The "Torah Sparks" flyer for Parshas Ki Savo highlights the Bikurim declaration, featuring a quotable quote from Rabbi Avraham HaKohen Kook on renewal, and a gematria connection of 414 to love and joy. It includes a quick vort about an ice cream order, thoughts on divine inspiration in Chassidus, and a note on the Klalos curses. The flyer also poses a point to ponder about Bikurim offerings.

On September 11, 2025, KKL-JNF, JNF-USA, and the U.S. Embassy in Israel held a memorial at the Arazim Valley Memorial in Jerusalem, marking the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and the second year since October 7th. The 9/11 Living Memorial, featuring victims' names and a Twin Towers shard, symbolizes U.S.-Israel unity against terrorism. Attendees included Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Ifat Ovadia-Luski, and Deb Lust Zaluda, with wreaths laid by U.S. Marines and Israeli firefighters.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill Act” restored the $20,000 revenue and 200-transaction threshold for 1099-K reporting, undoing the burdensome $600 limit. This change frees Orthodox families like Mrs. Goldstein, whose $36 sourdough sales triggered federal scrutiny, and yeshiva students earning tutoring income, from excessive compliance costs, bringing common sense back to tax reporting.