This Blog consists of Rabbi Eliezer Zalmanov's weekly column, as well as articles that appeared in various publications.
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There are few sights more powerful than a homecoming. Parents finally holding their children after years of captivity. Families who refused to give up hope, even when the world seemed dark. These moments have brought us all to tears—and to our feet. After everything we’ve been through, seeing even one person come home feels like a miracle. But we also know deep down that this isn’t the end of the story. There are still families mourning, still hearts that need healing, and st

As we approach Simchat Torah this year, my heart feels like a mosaic of emotions—joy, grief, gratitude, fear, and hope—all at once. I think many of us feel that way right now. On one hand, there is the indescribable relief of parents finally embracing their children after twenty-four long months of captivity. The images of the reunions coming through this morning alone can move us to tears of joy. Yet, in the same moment, we ache for the now-former hostages and all they’ve en

There’s something about joy that’s contagious. Think about the last time you saw someone really, genuinely happy; not just smiling...

When Yom Kippur ends, most of us feel done. We’ve fasted, spent some time in synagogue, maybe even whispered a promise to change...

We live in a world that can often feel upside down. Sometimes the things that should bother us become normalized, while values that truly...

There’s something special about moments when everyone shows up. Think about a wedding, a graduation, or even a sports championship. The...

This week’s Torah portion says something fascinating: “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you.” On the surface, it...

We may not wake up in the morning thinking we’re headed into battle, but in a sense, we are. Every day comes with its own challenges: the...

You walk into a room, and everyone turns their head. Not because of what you’re wearing or how much you make, but because of the quiet...

There’s something about Jerusalem that tugs at every Jewish heart. Even Jews who have never stepped foot in Israel feel a connection to...

If you’ve ever been told to “tone it down,” “keep it quiet,” or “maybe don’t mention you’re Jewish right now,” you know the subtle...

It’s hard not to feel disoriented these days. Antisemitism isn’t hiding anymore; it’s loud, public, and in some of the most “respectable”...

This Shabbat, the one before Tisha B’Av, is called Shabbat Chazon, which means “the Shabbat of Vision.” It gets its name from the opening...

Ever feel like life is just too much sometimes? Work is stressful. Bills pile up. Relationships can be complicated. The news is...

We all wonder at some point: What am I doing here? What is my purpose? It’s a legitimate human question, and the answer isn’t always...

Life can feel heavy sometimes. Between the noise of the world, personal struggles, and everything going on around us, it’s easy to feel...

One of the most puzzling mitzvahs in the Torah is the Red Heifer. It’s a commandment that has no clear explanation. Even King Solomon,...

Korach’s rebellion in this week’s Torah portion raises a big question: What was he thinking? Korach wasn’t some random troublemaker; he...

Picture a group of twelve people sent on a mission to scout out unfamiliar territory. Each of them is a leader, responsible for...

Faith is one of those concepts that’s easy to talk about but harder to live by. We all want to believe that things will work out, but...