The Truth of the Matter
President Donald Trump once met with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. At the time, Mr. Kim promised to begin dismantling his country’s nuclear program. When Mr. Trump was asked whether he believed Mr.
Loading…
Middos and Mussar
Leadership
Leaders of the Jewish people and what Chazal demand of them.
Do Not Despair
An intense debate erupted in the Beis Medrash. According to the Gemara, the debate spanned at least three decades (Bava Kama 67b). The debate was so long that there were three different Roshei Yeshiva during this time.
Misplaced Modesty
The Gemara in Gittin (55b) tells the famously regrettable story of a wealthy man in the first century who sends his servant to deliver an invitation to his friend, a man named Kamtza, for an upcoming party.
Still Waters Run Deep
There are over 700 brands of bottled water currently on the market in the United States. Each brand claims to offer the perfect water taste. In ancient times, one would have assumed that there was no choice of water.
An Ignorant Kohen Gadol?
Rebbi Yose ben Kisma said: Once I was walking by the way when I met a man. He greeted me and said, “Rabbi, where are you from?” I responded, “I am from a great city of sages and scribes.” He said to me, “Rabbi, would…
Serpentine Path to Prominence
If you found an object from the 1300s it would be pretty interesting. Still, in Israel, a land full of archeological marvels, 700 years is not a long time.
Excuses, Excuses
President Donald Trump met with Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea. Apparently, Mr. Kim promised to start dismantling his country’s nuclear program. Mr. Trump was asked if he believed that Mr.
When The Student Becomes The Rebbe
The Mahari Bruna (born 1400 in Germany) was asked the following question: If a student surpasses his rebbe in Torah scholarship, does he still have to honor him?
Gemara stories on Leadership
Chizkiyahu Destroys the Copper Snake
The copper snake Moshe made to heal the Bnei Yisrael lasted 700 years until people worshipped it, and King Chizkiyahu destroyed what his righteous ancestors had left standing.
Amasa ben Yeter's Sword and Dovid's Lineage
Doeg questions whether Dovid, a descendant of Rus the Moabite, may even join the Jewish people, until Amasa ben Yeter plants a sword in the Beis Midrash and declares the law.
Avner Brings Michal Back to Dovid
Shaul's general Avner switches sides, and Dovid accepts him if he brings back Michal, whom Shaul had given to Palti ben Layish. The mission leads to Avner's murder.
Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel Lowers the Price of Birds
When birds for korbanos cost a gold dinar a pair, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel vows not to sleep until the price falls, and his ruling drops it to a hundredth.