Rabbi Avrohom Czapnik

The Kiss

Published on June 20, 2002

In this week's Torah portion, we are introduced to the concept of a chok (statute) -- a divine law that we do not understand.

We are required to do it without knowing why, or what we are accomplishing spiritually with the performance of the mitzvah.

Question: Are chukim statutes that have deep significance that we just don't know, or are they just dictates from the Almighty for us to follow without any inherent reason or meaning?

Small Sacrifices

Published on March 14, 2002

This week, we begin "Vayikra," the first book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah. This section of the Torah is filled with many fascinating and important Torah concepts that we can relate to, including the laws of lashon hara (the prohibitions against speaking ill of others), kashrut (keeping kosher) and the well-known phrase: "Love your fellow as yourself."

Stolen Chanukah

Published on December 6, 2001

As we prepare for the start of Chanukah this Sunday night, with menorahs, dreidels, presents and latkes, I wonder if we realize that Chanukah was stolen.