Torah Thoughts

B"H On Yom Kippur, growth isn't just personal, it's collective. In the Jewish tradition, teshuva is about reflecting inward while also connecting outward—to the soul of Klal Yisrael, the entire Jewish nation. When we pray for our people's destiny, for peace, and for healing in Israel, we also deepen our own sense of mission and purpose. ✨ May this Yom Kippur bring both personal renewal and collective strength. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Yom Kippur is more than forgiveness, it's a fresh start. Moses brought down the second Tablets, the Kohen Gadol entered the Holy of Holies, and we're reminded that we can tap into our own inner holiness. ✨ This year, let's practice Positive Viddui, not only confessing what needs work, but celebrating the good we've already done. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Yom Kippur invites us into the deepest light of love and forgiveness, between us and Hashem, and between each other. ✨ May this season guide us toward open hearts, honest words, and connections that heal. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Even one moment of teshuva is priceless. As Yom Kippur approaches, every thought of positive change, every tiny step toward who G-d wants us to be, carries infinite weight. Don't dismiss the small things, each good deed, each second of return, sparks lasting growth. Aim high. Trust the process. Every moment matters. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Shabbat Shuvah, the first Shabbat of the year—is our invitation to return to who we're meant to be. As Yom Kippur approaches, it's not about waiting for miracles, but about taking small, real steps toward growth. choose one doable step. One moment of presence. One small yes to your highest self. That's where true teshuvah begins. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"h Can playing hockey really count as a mitzvah on the road to Yom Kippur?

B"H Rosh Hashanah isn't just the Jewish New Year—it's an invitation to begin again. ✨ It's a time to lift our heads, dream bigger, and rewrite the story of our lives. Just like the first word of the Torah, “Bereishit – In the beginning,” this season reminds us that newness is always possible.

B"H The shofar isn't just a sound, it's a message. ✨ Tekiah: the clear, steady note of the soul's pure potential.

B"H On Rosh Hashanah, the shevarim/teruah blasts echo our tears and trembling, the awareness of how far we sometimes feel from Hashem and from who we're meant to be. But, as Ezra reminds us, those tears aren't despair. They're a yearning-a call to rise higher and reconnect. Then comes the tekiyah—strong, whole, joyful. It celebrates the gift of Torah and the privilege to serve Hashem with gladness. Rosh Hashanah holds both emotions: brokenness and joy, awe and hope. It's a day to feel it all…and to choose reconnection. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Rosh Hashanah isn't only about apples, honey, or new-year resolutions.

B"H The Shema calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, our whole selves. Yaakov vs. Esav reminds us: life isn't about “most,” it's about all-ness. As the High Holidays approach, teshuva isn't about piling on more. It's about loving fully with what's already in our hands. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Feeling truly loved and supported is more than a nice to have it's a spiritual need.

B"H We need to have a personal, spiritual, cultural and political reckoning. We need to learn how to speak again, how to talk again, how to live and love again. I want to share a spiritual perspective on what is happening in the world and in the digital world, which is impacting every single one of us. Sending so much love and comfort to Charlie's family. May his memory be for a blessing. **#charliekirk  #love #Torah #FreeSpeech #disagreements #assassination #Hashem #judaism #God #spirituality ** To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Having a mentor, a rav, can change everything. ✨ A true teacher doesn't just share wisdom. They: → Help us recognize our strengths → Offer guidance when we face tough decisions → Keep us grounded while pushing us higher It's a relationship built on love, support, and growth, one that helps us avoid pitfalls and uncover our inner greatness.

B"H Standing before Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second-highest waterfall, you can feel the power of creation in motion. The Torah speaks of rivers clapping and praising God, reminders of Eden, and of Torah flowing into the world like life-giving water. Just as the river flows from its divine source, we're called to let that flow inspire us, bringing goodness, connection, and light wherever we go. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The sound of the shofar in Elul isn't just a ritual, it's a wake-up call. A reminder to reflect on the past, live in the present, and hope for the future. ✨ Each blast carries meaning: awareness, freedom, and the chance to begin again. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H In the Torah, Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu, and the elders were granted a rare vision of Hashem. They saw a sapphire-like stone, the same sky-blue shade as techelet, the thread on our tzitzit that mirrors the heavens and Hashem's throne. That same breathtaking blue still shines in our world today. May we always notice these reminders of Hashem's presence in the beauty around us. ✨ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H In Hebrew, the word Shema means “to listen.” It's more than just hearing words , it's the foundation of unity, connection, and love.

B"H Hiking in the mountains reminds us of the awe and closeness we can feel with God. Standing small amidst the vastness, we see the beauty of creation and feel the protective presence of the Divine all around us. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Elul is here ✨ A month of reflection, love, and closeness. The acronym “Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li” reminds us that this is a time to draw near—to God, to our loved ones, to our purpose. These 40 days of Teshuva (return) are about breaking down barriers and opening our hearts with warmth and devotion—whether in our relationships, our work, or our spiritual journey. How are you preparing your heart for the High Holy Days?

B"H There's something spiritual about water.

B"H Four generations. One table. Endless holiness. ✨ The Shabbos table has always been more than just a meal—it's a sacred space before God. A place of warmth, love, and connection, where mishpacha (family) comes together to celebrate the joy of Shabbos. This video is dedicated to our beloved patriarch, Dr. Zaidy Marvin Tile, whose vision and devotion made our Shabbos table meaningful and beautiful for decades. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The Kinneret, the only lake in the Holy Land holds a name filled with meaning. In Hebrew, Kinneret connects to the lyre, the instrument of King David, whose music brought peace to King Saul's troubled soul.

B"H Being a doctor isn't just a job, it's a spiritual calling.

B"H There's something about sitting by calm waters that quiets the soul. ✨ In Ontario this summer, I was reminded how a still lake can feel like Shabbos itself, inviting us to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with Hashem's presence in the gentle sounds and reflections of the water.

B"H “Do teshuva today, as if it were your last day.” Rabbi Eliezer's timeless teaching reminds us: life is fragile, and every moment is a gift. As we enter Elul a month of reflection and return, I'm remembering my dear grandfather, mentor, Dr. Marvin Teitel ז״ל. His life was a living lesson in love, gratitude, and purpose. Let's live each day fully. Love deeply. Never take life or the people in it—for granted. ♥ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Ever notice how one week at summer camp feels like a whole year of connection, joy, and memories? ⛺✨ That's the idea of “camp time” — time that's so full and intense, it stretches and deepens. In Judaism, we have something even more powerful: Shabbat. A single moment of mindful Torah study, heartfelt prayer, or quality time with loved ones on Shabbat can be worth days, even weeks of ordinary time. When we're truly present, time expands. Let's make our Shabbat and our daily life feel like “camp time.” To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Before every journey, there's a moment to pause. To remember that travel isn't just movement from one place to another l. It's a chance to carry our connection to God wherever we go. Tefillat HaDerech, the Jewish traveler's prayer, reminds us to be grateful for the ability to travel, to ask for safety, and to keep our hearts open to joy and peace along the way. Wherever life takes you, bring Him with you. ❤ To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H There's something about being near a vast body of water, the ocean, a big lake—that feels so cleansing for the soul. Looking out at the endless horizon with no obstructions opens our perspective, reminding us of Hashem's creation and the beauty of life. The sound of the waves is like the voice of Hashem, washing over our hearts and minds. Next time you can, find a beach or a quiet lake. Sit. Watch. Listen. Let your eyes and ears be refreshed by this divine gift. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H As an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, one of my greatest joys and deepest ways to feel Hashem's presence is through swimming. Whether I'm floating, standing still, or snorkeling to explore the underwater world, the experience is both physically and spiritually rejuvenating. In Judaism, the mikvah, a ritual bath, symbolizes hope and the chance to begin again. When I'm in the water, I feel that same renewal… a sense of being alive, connected, and embraced by God's presence. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Once a day of joy and matchmaking in ancient Israel, Tu B'Av is still considered an et ratzon — an auspicious time for finding one's match. To those still searching: don't lose hope. Keep your heart open. Hashem is always working behind the scenes to bring souls together. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Antisemitism isn't new — it evolves, just like Rabbi Sacks called it: a “mutating virus.” But through it all, we hold onto the truth of the Torah. We may not be perfect, but we know the truth is on our side. Praying for the safe return of our hostages, and for the day when Hashem's kindness and presence will be clear to all. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H We ache for the Beit Hamikdash. We long for the Geulah. But in the wait, there's a call for patience, faith, and quiet action. It's not just about crying for what's missing. It's about showing up every day—with hope, with trust, and with the belief that every small deed brings us closer. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Tisha B'Av marks the destruction of the Temple, yet our Sages teach that on this very day, the Messiah is born. We must raise our children with the values and vision to be worthy of his arrival. We must prepare ourselves, through tefillah, teshuvah, and even immersing in the mikveh—to emerge with renewed hope and clarity. May we see mashiach soon, Amen! To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H As Tisha B'Av approaches, we're reminded that prayer isn't just about words, it's about connection. We await the Third Beis Hamikdash, where prayer will transcend boundaries and be open to every soul. May this Tisha B'Av deepen our tefillah and our longing for something greater. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Even though we've never seen the Bais Hamikdash with our own eyes… We still mourn its loss. We still long for its return. The soul still remembers. The heart still yearns. May we merit to see it rebuilt soon. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Can we ever fully live in the present? In many spiritual paths, embracing the present moment is the ultimate goal. But in Judaism, there's a deeper tension, we're called to live fully now, while never forgetting the brokenness of the world. At a Jewish wedding, even in our happiest moment, we break a glass a reminder that Jerusalem is still in ruins. This doesn't diminish the joy. It elevates it. Because true joy in Judaism is incomplete and that's what makes it holy. It's a joy that propels us to action, to healing, to rebuilding. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H How can we become less judgmental? We reflect on the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash and how sinas chinam, baseless hatred—played a role. The solution? Shift your focus.

B"H Every Jewish journey leads to one destination: Eretz Yisrael and the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash. Wherever we are in the world, we're not at the end. We're still on the road. Vayisu. Vayachanu. Vayisu again. We travel, we settle, we travel again—until we arrive. This is our journey. This is our hope. This is our destiny. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Love your neighbor as yourself” isn't always easy. The Torah teaches us that to truly love others, we first have to deal with the feelings of anger or resentment we're holding inside. Instead of bottling it up, we're taught to communicate openly and constructively — to address the behavior without attacking the person. This kind of honest conversation can open the door to understanding, healing, and even deeper connection. ❤ ➡ Have you ever experienced a relationship grow stronger after a hard but honest conversation? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The Role of Gentiles in the Jewish Homeland

B"H During the Three Weeks, from the 17th of Tammuz to Tisha B'Av, we mourn the destruction of the First and Second Temples and long for the ultimate redemption. It's a time to reflect on the deep spiritual connection our ancestors felt in the Temple and to rebuild that longing in our own hearts. Let's take a few moments each day to pray for peace, unity, and the rebuilding of the Third Temple. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H What do hockey dressing rooms and Shabbos have in common? The most devoted hockey players are the first to arrive and the last to leave. That's the kind of commitment we're meant to bring to Shabbos too. By preparing early and lingering a little longer as Shabbos departs, we can fully embrace its peace, a true taste of the world to come. How do you “add on” to your Shabbos? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H With deep gratitude for our soldiers self-sacrifice, we pray for the day when the army will no longer need to fight, and peace will fill our land!

B"H As a visible Orthodox Jew and rabbi, I've been thinking deeply about the power of facial expressions. It's not about toxic positivity or forcing a smile 24/7, but about cultivating genuine joy for life and gratitude for being Jewish. As someone who's a walking symbol of Judaism, I know my demeanor leaves an impression. The Torah teaches our faces are “public property,” and the Gemara says that whitening your teeth (smiling!) for a friend is greater than giving them milk to drink. Smiling is an act of kindness. It's spiritual work. And it's part of how I strive to represent Am Yisrael in the world. ✨ What's one way you bring more light into the faces around you? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H The 17th of Tammuz marks moments of disconnection and division in our history. But this day also holds the potential to transform into one of joy and unity. As Torah learning grows, connection to Hashem deepens, nations support Israel, and our land is protected—we pray for leadership that will unite Am Yisrael across the world. Let's use this day to strengthen our bond with Hashem and with each other.

B"H There's a unique calmness that descends with Shabbat, Menuchah. It's not just rest. It's a deep, spiritual peace the world craves but rarely finds. Without Shabbat, Menuchah is missing. But when you taste it, everything changes. Try Shabbat. Feel the tranquility. Reconnect with the Divine. To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Spiritual and emotional growth isn't a quick fix. Just like you can't train for a marathon in one day, you can't transform your character overnight. It's about showing up consistently step by step, day by day. What's one small thing you can do today to grow closer to your best self-and to God? To watch Torah Thoughts in video format, click HERE Subscribe to the Torah Thoughts BLOG for exclusive written content! Please like, share and subscribe wherever you find this!

B"H Instead of reacting instantly to emotions like anger, pause. Slow down. Feel the feelings fully. Then respond in a way that's calm, thoughtful, and actually addresses the root issue.

B"H Sharing what Canada means to me on a spiritual level even with the growing concerns about antisemitism in our society. This land's natural beauty and the kindness of its people inspire me deeply. There's something about the positive, welcoming spirit of Canadians that gives me hope and connection.