The Joy of the Month of Adar
The Hornosteipel Rebbetzin put it simply: “Simcha is a connection with the Creator.” A reflection on joy in Adar, raising sparks of holiness, and putting our hearts into prayer and mitzvot.
Day by day with Leah Odelia
Explore Day by day with Leah Odelia at Neshama Sheli: articles and reading collections about Jewish life. Discover the section and related topics for further r…
The Fiery Machatzit Hashekel
A new (to me) concept of “machatzit hashekel.” There is a well-known statement in the Gemara that the Creator showed Moshe Rabbeinu a fiery machatzit hashekel. The question is: what was unclear? Ther…
The meaning of Shabbat Shekalim
Shabbat Shekalim alludes to the Almighty measuring the life force granted to the heavens, the worlds and every creation. The four special Shabbatot also teach about free choice, obedience and the Cre…
The Fifteenth of Av: A Day of Love and Harmony
“Two are better than one.” A reflection on connection, the meaning of creation and finding one's partner, in honor of the fifteenth of Av.
For a Mitzvah Is a Candle, and the Torah Is Light
“For a mitzvah is a candle, and the Torah is light” (Proverbs 6:23). A candle's light is bound to its wick. Mitzvot have two aspects: the action and the Divine light connected with it. Only by kindli…
The Month of Adar - How Can We Increase Joy?
Adar has arrived, and you "don't have the energy to rejoice" for a whole 2 months?! Then imagine if there had been 2 Nisans! :) Now, seriously: Sefer Yetzirah states that each month corresponds to a…
The Tribe of the Month of Cheshvan — Menashe
The Israelite tribe associated with the month of Cheshvan is Menashe. What sets Menashe apart from the others? From the very beginning, the Torah tells of rivalry between brothers, of disputes and je…
Don’t Be Like Korach!
"[Both opinions in] every dispute [conducted] for the sake of truth will ultimately prevail, [without negating one another], whereas an argument for argument’s sake is fruitless. An example of a disp…
The Month of Shevat - A New Beginning
The beginning of Shevat is a wonderful time to pray about everything to do with family! Shevat is like “shevet”—a tribe (of Israel), a family, a clan. Besides, it is the month of fruit! So prayers fo…
Kislev—A Month of Education and Light
Kislev = kisui le-lamed vav. Lamed-vav ("36")—the 36 candles of Chanukah. "Kisui" means covering. In other words, Kislev hints to us that light can be hidden. And since it is also a month of educatio…
My Teshuvah and Aliyah—Conclusion
...By the way, around the same time, I was “offered” a place in the Ner LeElef program. And you can guess what I said ;-) But. I was told that my consent was entirely optional! Well, we’ll see, I tho…
My Teshuvah and Aliyah—Continued
Our dear principal informed me that I was not going anywhere, that the administration needed a secretary who knew English, and that the work was more interesting and better paid. “Nooo…” I said, thou…