R. Eliezer Yehuda was a well-known contemporary halachic authority who resided in Jerusalem. His halachic decisions are held in high esteem, especially in the field of medical practice. Many of these decisions appear in his 22-volume set of responsa titled Tzitz Eliezer.
Link: Judaism and Medicine
Today is the first of the two Rosh Chodesh ("Head of the Month") days for the month of Kislev (when a month has 30 days, both the last day of the month and the first day of the following month serve as the following month's Rosh Chodesh).
Special portions are added to the daily prayers: Hallel (Psalms 113-118) is recited -- in its "partial" form -- following the Shacharit morning prayer, and the Yaaleh V'yavo prayer is added to the Amidah and to Grace After Meals; the additional Musaf prayer is said (when Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat, special additions are made to the Shabbat Musaf). Tachnun (confession of sins) and similar prayers are omitted.
Many have the custom to mark Rosh Chodesh with a festive meal and reduced work activity. The latter custom is prevalent amongst women, who have a special affinity with Rosh Chodesh -- the month being the feminine aspect of the Jewish Calendar.
Links: The 29th Day; The Lunar Files
How can you attain love of an infinite G-d? Through love of your fellow human beings.
As Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa would say, “If people like you, G-d likes you too.”
How did he know?
Because he knew that if people truly like you, it must be that you genuinely like them.
And when you hold genuine love in your heart for all people, inevitably you will come to genuine love for G-d.
And those who love G-d are loved by G-d.