Link to video version of this interview: https://youtu.be/teadpfXWCO4Martha Ross grew up Old Order Amish in Middlefield Ohio, left it, and now does YouTube videos about it on the channel  @AmishTransformed  . Please check out her fundraiser for her husband's much needed dental work here: https://gofund.me/d49b3276

Insights from the Torah Temimah on Parshios Tazria and Metzora

Explanation of the first ברכה of ברכות קריאת שמע של מעריב, המעריב ערבים, where we praise Hashem for creation primarily nighttime and controlling night and day as well as the metaphorical night and day with the ushering in of the גאולה העתידה and ultimate judgement of evil.

Send us a textPull up a chair, pour yourself a glass of something good, and unwind with this week’s Havdalah Happy Hour! Tonight we’re joined by Amanda from Kvetch & Co for a post-Shabbat conversation full of laughs. We kick things off with a (heated) debate: matzah pizza vs. regular pizza — which one reigns supreme? From there, we give you a sneak peek at this year’s biggest event: LIVE! From Beth El — and yes, The Fonz himself (Henry Winkler) will be in the building!And as always, we wrap things up with our beloved segment: Shonda of the Week — who brought the drama this time? Tune in and find out.

Aaron’s silence after losing his two sons wasn’t weakness—it was profound strength. In this week’s Parshat Shemini, we explore what it means to hold space for grief and listen for God even when the world feels shattered.Click here to watch on YouTube.

In today's exploration of Tanya Chapter 39, we delve into the profound concept of kavana—the intention behind mitzvahs. Imagine a mitzvah performed without the heart and mind is like a lifeless body; it lacks the soul that breathes life into our actions. We dissect the four realms of creation—domim (inanimate), tsomeach (vegetative), chai (animal), and medaber (human)—and how they mirror our spiritual practice. As we climb the ladder of mitzvah performance, we see that actions alone represent the silent domim, while thoughtful speech elevates us to the realm of the tsomeach. The pinnacle, however, lies in the medaber, where a tzadik engages with mitzvahs on a deeply intellectual and emotional level. This chapter also draws fascinating parallels between angels and animals, illuminating their instinctive love and fear of God. So, as we reflect on our mitzvahs today, let’s remember that it’s not just the act itself, but the feelings and thoughts we invest that truly enrich our spiritual journey.

Speaker: Rabbi Nasan Maimon. Recorded on 2025-04-25.

In a world often filled with haste, the essence of our actions can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Reflecting on Rambam's teachings, we are reminded that the heart behind our deeds is what truly matters. When we engage in acts of kindness, whether it’s a smile to a stranger or a helping hand to a neighbor, it’s the sincerity of our intentions that elevates these moments from mere tasks to profound connections. By infusing our daily routines with mindfulness and purpose, we can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, creating a tapestry of meaningful interactions that resonate with the Divine. Embrace the power of intention in your life, and watch how it deepens your relationships and enriches your spirit.