Rabbi's Blog

Rabbi Mendel's Blog

Rabbi Mendel's blog features his Dvar Torah (Torah lesson) column from the weekly E-TORAH, ocassional musings and other articles that he authors from time to time.
Your comments are welcome.

When, Not If

Friday, April 12, 2019 - 8:20 AM

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, the Chassidic giant famous for his indefatigable love for his fellow, was once walking in the marketplace. Seeing someone in an absolute hurry, he inquired what the rush was all about.

“I’m chasing my parnasah (livelihood)!” the man exclaimed.

“Perhaps it’s behind you and you are running away from it?” asked Rabbi Levi Yitzchak. “If it’s meant for you, it will come to you. Stop being so nervous and obsessive and start believing.”

The journey of life can be circuitous. We twist in various directions.

Ultimately, we end up exactly where we were supposed to be. It’s just that sometimes we insist on taking the indirect route.

***

In this week&rs… Read More »

Training my Own Dog

Friday, April 5, 2019 - 7:15 AM

Training a dog takes time and effort. At least that’s what I’ve heard.

No matter which pet it is, none are naturally designed to live in human homes. They require training in order to acclimate to their surroundings – especially if they will be roaming outside of a confined space.

As much as we talk about training animals, we don’t usually use that lingo when talking about people. We don’t merely train our children. We educate our youth.

***

In this week’s parsha Tazria, we are taught many laws regarding ritual purity. From ritual contamination to tzaraat caused by Lashon Harah, there is plenty to discover.

I want to focus, however, not on the laws themselves – but on their placement… Read More »

Looking for older posts? See the sidebar for the Archive.

Profile

Rabbi Mendel Lifshitz was born in Brooklyn and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to living in the Midwest, the East Coast, the West Coast, and Florida, he has spent several years living abroad in France, South Africa and Israel. He has traveled extensively to over 35 countries, often on assignment for Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters.

Rabbi Lifshitz moved to Boise with his wife Esther in 2004. They count raising their eight children as one of the great joys of life.

Their appreciation for wonderful quality of life, friendly environment and great outdoors make Idaho a natural fit.

With a great passion for teaching, sharing and learning - coupled with their dedication to the individual - they have become a critical asset for the Idaho Jewish community.

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