About the Author


Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Rabbi Shraga Simmons is the co-founder of Aish.com, and co-author of "48 Ways to Wisdom" (ArtScroll). He is Founder and Director of Aish.com's advanced learning site. He is co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive account of anti-Israel media bias. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.


No Time to Think: 3 Ways to Defeat Pharaoh Today

We are enslaved by epidemic levels of distraction. Here’s how to break free.

The Fastest Woman in Israel is an Orthodox Mother of Five

Beatie Deutsch hits the winner's stand in the 2018 Jerusalem Marathon.

Saving Lives through Israeli Innovation

Eli Beer of United Hatzalah has transformed emergency medical care.

The Trap of Wanting It All

Status-seeking underlies Haman's intense hatred of the Jews.

The Hebrew Hammer's Amazing Path to the Winter Olympics

Representing the State of Israel in the Skeleton Sled competition, AJ Edelman puts his Torah-observance above all.

Parsha: Getting the Message Loud and Clear

Three tools for attaining clarity.

Rabbi Lau on the State of Jewry Today

A thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed rabbi.

Operation Brothers: The Mossad's Secret Scuba Operation in Sudan

The extraordinary first-person account of the mission to save Jewish refugees, now a film starring Chris Evans.

Middot Series #12: Spiritual Accounting: Putting it into Practice

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: A system for constant self-assessment is essential for real change.

Parsha: Did it? Admit it!

Why do we have such a hard time admitting we’re wrong?

Off the Grid: Joshua Safran’s Childhood Was Nothing like Yours

One boy’s improbable journey from witches’ commune to Jerusalem.

Middot Series #11 – Preserving the Peace

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Meeting others more than halfway.

ABCs of Honoring Parents

In Judaism, every day is Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Parsha: The Power of Speech

What is the connection between speaking badly and contracting this skin disease?

Middot Series #10 – Compassion

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: How to become more of a caring person.

Middot Series #9 - Envy: The Path to Self-Defeat

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Avoiding the damaging spiral of jealousy and frustration.

Middot Series #8 - Guard Your Eyes

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Judaism’s life hack for avoiding harmful images.

What Is Sukkot? Customs, Blessings, & Lulav & Etrog

Guidelines for the joyous Jewish outdoor festival of Sukkot.

Seven Steps to an Easy Fast

Giving new meaning to the term "fast food."

Middot Series #7 - Ethical Speech

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Our words are a powerful force to build – and destroy.

The Fast of Gedalia

One day after Rosh Hashanah commemorates a Jewish tragedy whose message reverberates today.

Kippah: A Blessing On Your Head

It is perhaps the most instantly identifiable mark of a Jew. When and why do we wear a kippah?

Middot Series #6 - Patience, or How to Overcome Road Rage

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: It can be a rude awakening to discover that you are not the Master of the Universe.

 

Sarah Zoabi: Proud Muslim Zionist

One Arab Israeli woman’s fight against radical Islam and the high price she pays for speaking her mind.

Parsha: Pursuit of Peace

How to avoid a fight.

Crash Course in Jewish Blessings

Why do we bless God? Isn’t He blessing us?

Middot Series #5 - Integrity: Will the Real You Please Stand Up

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Life's greatest challenge is the battle for self-respect.

Middot Series #4 - Gratitude

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: It’s not happy people who are thankful; it’s thankful people who are happy.

Middot Series #3 - Discipline: The Power of Restraint

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Life is an ongoing training regimen in willpower.

Dustin Hoffman's Jewish Moment

Watch a moving clip of the actor declaring, “I am a Jew."

Middot Series #2 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Caring for others is the fuel for a vibrant life.

Middot Series #1 - The Art of Character Perfection

Harvey S. Hecker Character Development Series: Improving ourselves is a tangible way to improve the world.

40. She'hecheyanu & Other Events

The blessing that thanks God for enabling us to reach a special milestone.

38. Being Motzi Others

One person can say a bracha and exempt another person's obligation.

39. Answering Amen

When another person says a bracha, we answer "amen" as a testament that the statement is true.

37. Bracha Achrona: After the Fact

What happens of you mistakenly said the wrong after-bracha?

36. Time and Space

An after-bracha is subject to restrictions of when and where.

35. Birkat Hamazon – Part 2

Grace After Meals requires extra dignity and concentration.

33. Bracha Achrona on Mixtures

When foods are eaten in combination, which after-bracha do you say?

34. Birkat Hamazon – Part 1

The special after-bracha said following a bread meal.

32. Which Bracha Achrona to Say

Guidelines for the Three-Faceted Blessing, and the "miscellaneous" after-bracha.

Happiness Hall of Fame

Aish.com author awarded for radiating the power of joy.

31. Bracha Achrona - Introduction

The guidelines for saying bracha after finishing to eat.

30. Shinuy Makom: Wrap-Up and Review

Instances when a bracha remains in effect even after making a shinuy makom.

29. Outdoor Eating

The difference between enclosed areas and open areas.

28. Leaving the House

Walking outside implies a cessation of this eating session.

26. Terminating a Bracha's Effectiveness

Certain actions can signal your intention to stop eating.

27. Introduction to Shinuy Makom

Changing locations can terminate a bracha's effectiveness.

25. The Right Environment

When saying a bracha, the surrounding environment must be dignified and clean.

21. Special Status of Mezonot

A mezonot ingredient is always considered primary, even when not the majority.

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