Caring Attention!
(Torah Portion Devorim) Caring Attention! Every so often we hear someone saying, “That person has it all.” Let’s think about this. Does anyone have it all? Although at times it might appear that way, one who is true to himself knows that there are areas where he is lacking and needs to strive to accomplish …
With All Your Heart
(Torah Portion Va’eschanan) With All Your Heart! Probably the Torah verse most well-known by all Jews, is the declaration of Shema Yisroel Ado-noy E-lo-hai-nu Ado-noy Echad. In these six words a Jew declares his allegiance to the Almighty, proclaiming that G-d was, is, and always will be, the One and only. A Jew carries the …
Tablets!
(Torah Portion Eikev) Tablets! Greetings from the holy and beautiful City of Jerusalem! Malki and I are here to attend the upcoming wedding of Tali Rutta, daughter of our friends Richie and Julie Rutta. We also have the pleasure of seeing our son Chaim who is studying at Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. ~ In the …
The Way We Look!
(Torah Portion Re’eh) The Way We Look! Greetings again from the holy and beautiful City of Jerusalem! We are spending time in Israel which allows us to reconnect with relatives and friends in Israel and to bask in the atmosphere of this holy land. It also allows us the opportunity of being with our brethren …
Ain’t That the Truth!
(Torah Portion Shoftim) Ain’t That the Truth! Honesty and integrity are essential to our existence and ability to coexist. Even where the ideals of honesty take a back seat, such as news media outlets which report biasedly and inaccurately on events, if someone is caught lying, they capitalize on the offence. So too, in our …
Partners!
(Torah Portion Ki Seitzai ) Partners! The other day I had a conversation with a professed atheist who has a terrific and wry sense of humor. I asked him if he can prove his atheistic position to me. His priceless response … “That, I can’t – thank G-d!” Needless to say, we both had a …
With Warmth
(Torah Portion Ki Savo ) With Warmth! This week’s Parsha is called “Ki Savo” – “when you come.” Last week’s Parsha was called “Ki Seitzai” – “when you go out.” Life is filled with goings and comings, but because we are so busy and distracted, we seldom stop to think about our goings and comings. …
Right Here
(Torah Portion Nitzavim ) Right Here! Mendel, a known vagabond in the Brooklyn area, was content with the condition of his life, a life that would have been unbearable for just about anyone else. When Mendel became weak and frail, a generous and caring family took him into their nursing facility and provided him with …
Answered
(Torah Portion Vayailech ) Answered! Because Avinu Malkainu is recited on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the most popular days for Synagogue attendance, we are all familiar with the prayer of ‘Avinu Malkainu’ and inspired by the tune sung to the last stanza. Let’s explain the Avinu Malkainu prayer and trace and examine its source. …