Patricia Chen

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Rosh Hashana 5773

Rosh Hashana 5773 The Torah reading on the first day of Rosh Hashana focuses on the wondrous birth of our forefather Yitzchok. Yitzchok was born when his father Avraham was 100 years old and his mother Sarah was 90. Our Sages inform us that Yitzchok was conceived on Rosh Hashana. The Torah reading on the …

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Rosh Hashana 5774: The King

Rosh Hashana 5774: The King Every year, during one of our Rosh Hashana meals, I share with my family and guests the following insightful thought presented by Rabbi Gedalia Schorr o.b.m. Rabbi Schorr addresses a question that crosses the mind of many people. If one reviews practically all the prayers we recite on Rosh Hashana, …

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Yom Kippur 5771 

Holy Day! Yom Kippur 5771 I recall that during the year I studied in Israel, I walked past a school yard during their recess and overheard one child yelling at another in Hebrew, “Ani Horeg Otcha – I’m going to kill you.” I was initially jolted by this statement for I thought he meant it …

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Yom Kippur 5772

Yom Kippur 5772 A few days ago Amanda Knox stood before an Italian court and passionately claimed innocence of any involvement in the murder of her roommate. Although she was acquitted of the charges and she is now free, the ultimate truth of the matter is known only in her heart. There are four basic …

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Yom Kippur 5773

Yom Kippur 5773 I don’t know about you, but I must admit that just about the time the afternoon Mincha service comes around on Yom Kippur, I am overcome by fatigue. I usually begin nodding off when the soft melody of the Haftorah – the Book of Yonah is chanted. CONNECTION After reviewing the story …

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Yom Kippur 5774

Yom Kippur 5774 A few days before Rosh Hashana, Rabbi Avrohom Kamenetzky, the father of a friend of mine, passed away. Reb Avraham personified friendliness and warmth, and he knew how to use his beautiful smile. He had a knack for knowing what to say to build one’s esteem and to brighten their day. CONNECTION …

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Yom Kippur 5775

Yom Kippur 5775 The days from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur are called the Ten Days of Repentance. The basic idea of repentance is to effect positive change in our lives. It is interesting that the word ‘change’ is a homograph. Change can refer to the change in one’s pocket, and change can refer to …

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Yom Kippur 5776 Liberated!

Yom Kippur 5776 Liberated! Who is not stirred and moved by the hallowed tune of Kol Nidrei as the Chazan ushers in the holy day of Yom Kippur flanked by two Torah scrolls held by respected leaders of the congregation. CONNECTION Yet, when examining the words and basic gist of the declaration of Kol Nidrei, …

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Rosh Hashana 5775

Rosh Hashana 5775 One day, a married student studying in a yeshiva in Jerusalem received a surprise visit from a well known therapist. He was even more surprised when the therapist told him he had come to thank him. The student said, “I think you have made a mistake. We have never met before.” “No,” …

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Phantom of the Word

(Torah Portion Devorim) Phantom of the Word The fifth book of the Torah is called Devorim – Words, which refers to the words of encouragement, direction, blessings and reprimand that Moshe delicately and expressively offered to the Jewish people at the end of his life. We are currently in the period of mourning over the …

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