One's goal

In a move reinforcing the basis for its decision to sever ties with Al-Quds University, Brandeis University issued a statement on Thursday, Nov. 21, that Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, president of Al-Quds University, will be removed from his position on the Advisory Board of the Brandeis International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life.
Continue reading:  http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/brandeis-removes-al-quds-nusseibeh-from-ethics-center/2013/11/21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=brandeis-removes-al-quds-nusseibeh-from-ethics-center

Rabbi Yissocher Frand speaks about keeping focused on one's goal in life.

Yaakov sent Yosef to check on the welfare of his brothers and the welfare of the flocks. The pasuk says: "And behold a man found him and he was lost in the field" [Bereshis 37:15]. This was in the days before GPS. There was no address to type in. It was a big country. He tried to find his brothers and got lost. "The man found him and asked 'What are you looking for?'". The Rabbis tell us that the 'Ish' [man] alluded to in the pasuk was actually the Angel Gavriel. Gavriel haMalach literally led Yosef by the hand and took him to his appointed place. But before he did this, the Malach asked Yosef "What are you looking for?" (Mah t'vakesh?) There is a word in this pasuk that does not fit in -- namely the word "leimor" which means literally "to say over to others". This word is not typically used in direct dialogue between two individuals. The pasuk should read "Vayishaleyhu haIsh, mah tivakesh?" (and the man asked him 'What are you looking for?'); not "Vayishaleyhu haIsh LEIMOR mah tivakesh?"
Continue reading: http://www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5774/vayeishev.html

a time to weep and a time to laugh

Chadrei Charedim reports on the tragic passing of a mother of seven who had given birth only two weeks ago.

Chadrei Charedim wishes a mazal tov to Yaakov Yosef Grunwald upon his marriage to the daughter of someone who worked towards his release from a Japanese prison. The shadchan was the Satmer Dayan of Antwerp, who was moser nefesh in his efforts to help the three yeshiva students return to Eretz Yisrael.

Rabbi Y. Altman discusses what should be the the focus and goal of our tefilah.