Hello!
(Torah Portion Devorim) Hello! Last week’s Parsha detailed the names of the forty-two places where the Jews camped from the time of their exodus from Egypt until they entered the land of Israel. How did the areas in the deserted desert get their names? The answer is that these names were given by Moshe, with …
The Ring!
(Torah Portion Vaeschanan) The Ring! The piano tuner told Aliza, “Now you can understand why I am like this today, seeing the awful family discord that came about through false pretences.” The Talmud says that the following story triggered G-d to allow the Romans to destroy the Second Temple: There was a man who threw …
Milk and Honey!
(Torah Portion Eikev) Milk and Honey! When G-d appeared to Moshe at the Burning Bush, He told him “I will save Jews from the Egyptians and redeem them and bring them to a good and wonderful land that flows milk and honey.” In this week’s portion, more than forty years after that revelation, Moshe once …
Positive Attitude!
(Torah Portion Re’eh) Positive Attitude! Dr. George Crane, a psychologist and syndicated columnist, related a story about a woman who sought his advice concerning her tremendous hatred toward her husband. “Our marriage is over. But before we divorce, I want to make him suffer like he made me suffer all these years.” Dr. Crane suggested …
Tikun Olam!
(Torah Portion Shoftim) Tikun Olam! We are currently in the calendar month of Elul, which of course is an indicator that the High Holidays are soon arriving. The forty days spanning the month of Elul through Yom Kippur is a unique time for personal introspection, because at the onset of Elul Moshe notified the Jews …
Chess Move!
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai) Chess Move! A story is told of a leading Rabbi who taught his young son how to play chess. He explained how each piece is moved and the goal of the game. His son asked, “If after I make a move I change my mind, can I move it back?” His …
Face Time!
(Torah Portion Ki Savo) Face Time! My mother in law, Mrs. Esther Gewirtzman, forwarded the following parody, titled – Facebook for seniors. For those of my generation who do not and cannot comprehend why Facebook exists: I am trying to make friends outside of Facebook while applying the same principles. Therefore, every day I walk …
L’Shana Tova to You and Yours
(Torah Portion Nitzavim) L’Shana Tova to You and Yours! There are times when it is important to take a step back and assess the difference between our observances and those of the rest of the world so that we recognize, appreciate and are grateful for what we have and what we are all about. Two …
Homecoming Parade!
(Torah Portion Vayailech) Homecoming Parade! Homecoming parades for championship winning sports teams are very exciting and triumphant. Thousands cheer their teams for clinching the series and for their diligent and professional skill throughout the season. But have you ever heard of tens of thousands coming to cheer and laud a group of people for not …
Heart and Soul!
(Torah Portion Ha’azinu/Yom Kippur) Heart and Soul! Traditional songs and tunes are an integral part of our prayer service, especially during the High Holidays when they evoke and stir within us penitent feeling. Just think of the hallowed tunes of Kol Nidrei, Kaddish, Avinu Malkainu etc. Surprisingly when the congregation in unison recites Viduy – …
On the Wings of Eagles!
(Torah Portion Ha’azinu) On the Wings of Eagles! Our leader Moshe, in the poetic portion of Ha’azinu states; “Like an eagle arousing his nest, hovering over its young, He spreads His wings and took them (the Jews), carrying them on His pinions.” The great commentator Rashi based on various Medrashim, explains the verse as follows: …