News

There is a widespread problem that plagues humanity, leaving us lonely and disconnected. Many people live their lives in a state of ego – a state of mind in which one views himself as an isolated being inside his own body: his own mind, his own world, alone and independent.

The hostage deal between Israel and the murderous barbarian terror group Hamas has begun. The first three hostages were released - a huge simchah! And 90-plus terrorists, many with Jewish blood on their hands, were released in exchange. Be’ezras Hashem, later this week four more hostages will be released, and in exchange another 120 terrorists. Is this really the best deal they could get? Is it really worth it?

I had the great z’chus to be by a gathering my hometown, Beitar Illit, where we had the privilege this week to hear inspiring words of Torah and encouragement from HaRav Dov Lando shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Slobodka in Bnei Brak. He was near our area, and they made arrangements for him to detour and visit our city. (He is bli ayin hara over 90 years old.)

In our previous article, we began exploring the question of why Hashem created the world. The Maharal, the Ramchal, and other key Jewish thinkers explain as follows: Hashem is absolute and ultimate goodness. However, there are two aspects of goodness.

Imagine you wake up one morning with $86,400 in your bank account. You can’t invest or save this money, and whatever is left over at the end of the day disappears. What would you do with your $86,400? Would you leave a single penny unspent? Of course not!

Four hostages were released this past Shabbos, and BEZ”H three more this week, and then three more this coming Shabbos. There was such a simchah with the return of the four girls. We pray that the rest will also be released soon. Yet, there is still nervousness about the high price being paid.