By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
A few weeks ago we celebrated Yom Haatzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, and Yom Yirushalaim, Jerusalem’s Day. The great significance of these two dates can be appreciated by looking back at Jewish history.
At the beginning of the war of liberation fought by the Jews … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by The Jewish Post and Opinion – August 31, 2016
Jewish people across the world are engaged in preparations for Rosh Hashanah — one of the most important times in the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah has deep significance in that it marks the beginning of … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Do you remember that a few years ago the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River? News agencies reported the following about one of the survivors, Marcelo Cruz, who saved his life a second time.
Some years before, police covered him with a tarp, believing … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
We are commanded in the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:18): “Do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, so that it may go well with you.” We may ask ourselves: What does it mean to do what is right and good? What kind of … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – September 25, 2010
A story is told about a tourist who visited a renowned 19th-century European rabbi, and noticed that he lived very frugally. His room contained only a wooden table, a couple of chairs and many books. “Where … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – November 27, 2010
Many of us watched recently as 33 miners in Chile were rescued and brought to the earth’s surface from a collapsed mine half a mile below. Their experience echoes the words of the Hebrew Bible (Psalms … More
By Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Published by the Omaha World Herald – November 20, 2010
We offer our gratitude to You, God, for the numerous blessings with which You favor us every day.
For the blessings of life and health, of love and family, friends and community.
For the blessings of … More
A Selection from my Favorite Jewish Sources
Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Tanakh, Leviticus 19:16
Do not go about as a talebearer among your countrymen… I am the Lord.”
Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Deiot, chapter 7:2
Who counts as a slanderer? One who carries matters from one [person] to another and says that … More
A Selection from My Favorite Jewish Sources
Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Hebrew Bible, Isaiah 2:1-4
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz prophesied concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In the days to come,
The Mount of the Lord’s House
Shall stand firm above the mountains
And tower above the hills;
And all … More
A Selection from My Favorite Jewish Sources
Rabbi Mordechai Levin
Yerushalmi, Kiddushin 4:12
The sages said in the name of Rav: It is forbidden to live in a city where there is no physician.
Talmud, Baba Kamah 46b
When a man has a pain, he should visit a physician.
Midrash … More
Rabbi Levin 
is the rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in Munster, IN. He received his rabbinic ordination from the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary, and is a member of the Rabbinical Assembly. In 2010, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City for his years of dedicated service to the Conservative movement and the Jewish community...Full bio