Shabbat Chazon

B"H

The Kaballah teaches us that during the entire month of Tammuz, we're meant to work on our sense of vision. Tonight is the Shabat before Tisha B'Av, which is called "Shabat Chazon," the "Shabat of Vision." It is named after the Haftorah, which is about the vision of the Prophet Isaiah of the destruction of the Second Temple. On a more positive note, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditschek states that on this Shabat every Jew has a vision of the Third Temple, that will be rebuilt. Even though very few actually can see this vision, the Rebbe explains that even if we don't see it, our soul does, and it has a big impact on us nonetheless.
It is important to work on our sense of vision, so that in everything we see, including ourselves, we see a potential "Temple." After all, the whole idea behind Creation is to make each one of us, and the entire world, into a Temple, a dwelling place for God.
Ultimately, that is the idea of our site, "Modern Jewish Home." To bring meaning and to beautify our world, starting with our own homes and with our own souls. If we realize that each one of us is a home, a place for God, we can rebuild this world into a much more just, more spiritual, and more beautiful place... the way it was supposed to be from the very beginning.

Getting Ready for Hanukah!

Check out a few of our beautiful selection of menorahs!

Click here to see our complete Chanukah inventory!

Book of the Month of October: Seasons for Celebration

'Seasons for Celebrations' 'A Contemporary Guide to Joys, Practices and Traditions of the Jewish Holidays.'

By Karen Fox and Phyllis Miller.

To purchase a copy of the book, click here .

Book of the Month of September:

Rebbe Nachman and the Knights of the Rosh HaShanah Table

Written by Debbie Shapiro, "Rebbe Nachman and the Knights of the Rosh HaShanah Table", recounts awe inspiring stories about those who braved the journey and made it to Uman for Rosh HaShanah and the impact of their trip.

This is a beautiful and soul-energizing book that will get you in the right mood for the new year! SHANA TOVA and may we all be inscribed in the book of life!

To purchase a copy for $15 click here

Rosh Hashana BLOWOUT SALE

Rosh Hashana is just around the corner!
This is the time to show your loved ones that you care.

To show you that we care,

Modern Jewish Home is running a site wide 10% off blowout sale -

just type ROSHHASHANA during checkout for 10% off your purchase!

We have put together a few ideas of gifts with symbols of a prosperous new year such as the shofar, apple & honey, pomegranate, and dove that range from $15-$120.

May we all be inscribed and sealed for a happy & sweet new year.

Rimon Honey Bowl (Made in Israel by renowned artist Adi Sidler): $54

Bee Honey Dish: $45

Rimon Wineglass & Saucer: $39

Holiday Puzzles (Set of 4): $29.99

Gold Shofar Pendant: $99

Pomegranate Blessings Print: $72

Machzor for Rosh Hashana: $22.49

Natural Ram's Horn (Kosher & from Israel): $39

Black Polished Ram's Horn (Kosher & from Israel): $32

Rimon Candleholder (Made in Israel): $36

Honey Apple Sack (Made in Israel): $32

New Year Tree (Hebrew & English): $120

Shofar Blowing Puzzle: $15

Dangling Dove Earrings: $54

Apple & Honey Dish: $79 This is one of our best sellers!!

Rebbe Nachman & the Knights of the Rosh Hashanah Table: $15

Jerusalem Shofar Stand (By judaica artist Yair Emanuel): $40

Pomegranate Kiddush Cup (By judaica artist Shraga Landesman): $120

Tilted Honey Dish (Available in different colors): $49

Red Apple Honey Dish: $36

Artist of the Month of Elul: Moshe Kassirer

Absolutely stunning fine arts giclee prints!

To purchase a limited edition print by this renowned Israeli artist click here

Book of the Month of August

To purchase a copy of this book click here

Devarim: Words Matter

Dedicated to Rabbi Casriel Brusowankin, of Aventura Chabad, whose birthday is today. Today is also the yahrzeit of the Arizal, on whose works our modern day understanding of the Kaballah is based.

It is certainly no coincidence that the name of the previous book of the Torah we just finished (Bamidbar) and of the one we are starting this Shabat (Devarim) come from the word "davar," which means "word."

Speech is so essential and so incredibly powerful, yet we so often completely underestimate it. We forget that the main way we communicate with Hashem and connect with Him is through speech, and that the main way in which distance ourselves from Him and from each other is also through speech: Lashon Harah (literally "evil tongue").

The Arizal himself was extremely careful with his speech, to the point that for two whole years he spoke very seldom to any human being (even to his wife, but don't try this at home :) ). Only when absolutely necessary he would speak in the Holy Tongue, and with the least number of words. (For more information on the life of the Arizal, click here).

The Talmud (Erchin, 15b) states that because of three sins a person may lose his portion in the World to Come: Murder, Adultery, and Idol Worship. Yet, there is a forth sin that is equivalent to these three: Lashon Harah.

The main hero in the fight against Lashon Harah was a Tzadik (saintly person) by the name of the Chofetz Chaim. His name comes from the book he wrote on the laws of proper speech, based on the verse from Psalm 34: "Who is the man that desires life ("Chofetz Chaim")? Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit." By the way, the Chofetz Chaim lived to the age of 95. He also wrote today's most prominent work on the Shulchan Aruch, entitled the Mishna Brurah. Before passing away in 1933, the Chofetz Chaim foretold the great darkness that was about to overtake all of Europe. (For more information on the Chofetz Chaim, and for his entire book on proper speech online, click here).

We are now in the midst of a period of nine days of mourning, which culminate this Tuesday, with Tisha B'Av, the date of the destruction of the first two Holy Temples in Jerusalem, and a day to reflect upon all the great tragedies that have befallen our people, including the horrors of the Holocaust. It is important that during this time the we understand the power of speech and work to improve it. We must also work on our power of hearing speech in the proper, positive way. By doing so, we will reverse all the baseless hatred that caused the destruction of the two Temples, and transform it into what we need in order to see the eternal Third Temple rebuilt: Baseless Love.

If you need any help loving your fellow as yourself, I recommend contacting Rabbi Casriel Brusowankin at 305 933 0770.

To see Kronick's artwork, please visit:

Anna Kronick at Modern Jewish Home