By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Fl.

Like it or not, we are each engaged in a battle against our own set of mean genes. They are wily opponents too. Masters of the visceral, they control through satisfaction, pain, and pleasure.

(Dr.'s Terry Burnham and Jay Phelan, Mean Genes)

Destroy man's desire to sin, our sages tell us, and you would destroy the world.

Not that anyone needs to sin. But one who lacks the desire to sin is not a citizen of this world. And without citizens, who… Continue

By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Florida

Reb Shneur Zalman of Liadi, founder of the Chabad movement, was for a time, a disciple of Reb Menachem of Vitebsk (until the latter left Russia for the Holy Land in 1777).

One year on Simchas Torah, before Hakkafos (the circular procession for which the holiday of Simchas Torah is renowned), the entire synagogue was waiting for Reb Menachem Mendel to begin the recitation of the preceding verses, beginning with Atoh Hareisa. After a long unexplained… Continue

By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jax, Florida



There was once a Melamed (Cheder teacher) whom a well-to-do industrialist engaged to serve as the village resident tutor for a period of time (Zman). It so happened that during this same period the prosperous businessman built himself a magnificent mansion.

During the housewarming festivities all the household members were, as can be expected, in highly celebratory and cheerful spirits. When the owner of the new home noticed that the… Continue

By Rabbi Yoseph Kahanov Jacksonville, FL

A self-proclaimed Jewish atheist had no qualms with sending his son to a Catholic day school. One evening during dinner as the son enthusiastically described the Christian theology of the Trinity – the father, the son and . . ., the man could hardly contain his anger. "Listen here son and remember it well," bellowed the atheist: "There's only one G-d and we don't believe in him."

Yom Kippur is the holiest time in the Jewish calendar. This… Continue