One of the greatest stories of Jewish strength and endurance that has been passed from mouth to ear down the generations is undoubtedly that of the heroic conversion to Judaism and subsequent burning at the stake of the Ger Tzedek of Vilna.

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Observations No Psalms in Israel by Jonathan Rosenblum Remember the intensive ad campaign: "Say Tehillim -- for the Soul" that blanketed the country at the beginning of the Jewish year? Ever wonder what happened to the catchy jingle proclaiming the power of Psalms to bring "more happiness -- to you, to your family, to all of us?"

Opinion and Comment Thank You for the Torah by Mordecai Plaut Thank you Hashem. We thank you Hashem for Mattan Torah on that first Shavuos, for bringing us to the foot of Mount Sinai where we were truly one, "as one man with one heart." We are grateful for the unforgettable experience that day -- when the whole creation received the first two Commandments directly -- which all of us, who were immediately present in spirit, recall at least subliminally to this day and forever. Individually and as a nation we met our Maker in this world and received from Him the wisdom that accompanies us through the ages until the final Redemption and beyond.

Identified Call by Yochonon Dovid The shmuess with the group of new students in the yeshiva came to its conclusion. The boys left the room and went back to the main study hall. Only Yaron seemed to be lingering and it was obvious that he wished to be alone with the Rov. Yaron had progressed slowly as far as integrating into the yeshiva world, but he was a talented boy who was determined to understand everything fundamentally. The Rov turned his attention to him at once and soon they were sitting across from one another, with the Rov urging Yaron to say what was on his mind.