About the Author

Rabbi Meir Bier

Rabbi Meir Bier is an educator with Meor at the University of Pennsylvania. He attended the Philadelphia Yeshiva, Brisker kollel, and Beth Medrash Govoha. He was a member of the Boston kollel and served as a synagogue Rabbi in Newton Massachusetts.

Rabbi Bier lives in Bala Cynwyd with his wife and five children.

When God Rested: Understanding the Meaning of Shabbat

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Shabbat isn’t about stopping work — it’s about learning to see why we work at all.

Unlocking the Power of Jewish Prayer

by Rabbi Meir Bier

When we step into prayer, we step into relationship—with God, with our people, and with the deepest parts of ourselves.

Beyond Ego: The Radical Strength of Humility

by Rabbi Meir Bier, David H. Rosmarin PhD

Judaism and modern psychology both show why humility is the real key to confidence, leadership, and happiness.

Antisemitism: Understanding the Oldest Hatred and How to Confront It

by Rabbi Meir Bier

From Pharaoh to modern tyrants, antisemitism endures. Discover why Jews are targeted—and how Jewish commitment, pride and unity are our strongest defenses.

Light Unto the Nations: The Mission of the Jewish People

by Rabbi Meir Bier

What does it mean to be a “light unto the nations”? Explore the Jewish people’s mission and their responsibility to both humanity and one another.

What Are Mitzvot? Exploring the Purpose and Power of Judaism’s Commandments

by Rabbi Meir Bier

The 613 commandments are far beyond a list of do’s and don’ts. Discover how they shape Jewish life, connect us with God, and bring spiritual balance through meaningful action, wisdom, and purpose.

The Gift of Choice: Free Will and the Purpose of Creation

by Rabbi Meir Bier

If God is perfectly good, why did He create a world with pain, failure, and evil? Unpack the Jewish view of creation, choice, and how moral struggle gives life its deepest meaning.

Monotheism: Judaism’s Definition of God

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Explore the meaning of God in Judaism, based on classical Jewish sources.

Why Is the Menorah the Primary Symbol of Hanukkah?

by Rabbi Meir Bier

The menorah encapsulates the energy of the Jewish rebellion against the Greeks.

Tefilat Haderech: What Is the Jewish Traveler’s Prayer?

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Learn more about the deeper significance of the Jewish Traveler’s prayer called Tefilat Haderech..

Abraham and the Revolution of Ethical Monotheism

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Why did God choose Abraham to be the founder of the Jewish People?

Joy and Completion: Understanding the Deeper Meaning of Sukkot

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Why the Jewish holiday of Sukkot is the apex of joy.

Emulating the Divine: God’s Attributes of Mercy

by Rabbi Meir Bier

What is the deeper significance of God’s 13 attributes of mercy that play a central role in the High Holiday prayers?

Dipping Apple into Honey: The Deeper Meaning

by Rabbi Meir Bier

It means more than just having a sweet new year.

Oy Vey: The Deeper Meaning of This Common Jewish Phrase

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Although the phrase is thought by many to be of German origin, the term has roots in Hebrew and Aramaic.

The Deeper Meaning of Tallit, the Jewish Prayer Shawl

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Exploring the mystical significance of this iconic Jewish emblem.

What Does Judaism Really Say About Non-Jews

by Rabbi Meir Bier

Every human being, Jew and non-Jew alike, deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and has the ability to use their free will to create an eternal relationship with God.