Hope you’re having a great day. … We know that there are many issues facing our country. I recently saw an article about a problem I was not aware of. And I’m not sure I’m aware of it now! What is it? “America ranks only 28th in Internet Connection Speeds”! We are far behind countries […]

Hi, Happy Chanukah! … I love getting feedback from Torah Minute readers. One raised an issue with something I wrote about my “davening at the airport” experience. I had said that I thought to myself, “let’s make this fast”. Here’s what he said. “When it comes to morning prayers, “do it quick” should never enter […]

Hi, … Here’s what we might have expected Joseph to do when he saw his brothers. “Hi.  I’m Joseph your brother!  Lets put it all behind us.  I forgive you. Go tell Dad that I’m alive and well.  That I’m second in command here. Bring Dad down here.  I’ll take care of all your needs!” […]

Hi, Jacob finally encounters his brother Esau.  (Genesis, 33) In Jewish tradition, Esau represents the power of the sword.  As opposed to the spiritual values of Jacob. In fact, Jacob had run away because Esau was planning on killing him. … What happens when they meet? “ He hugged Jacob… kissed him.  They wept”.  (33:4) […]

Hi, Here’s why there will be no Torah Minute tomorrow.  The ninth day of Av. The saddest day in the Jewish calendar. It may surprise you. …It’s because we’re not supposed to study Torah! Doesn’t sound very Jewish? It’s very Jewish! Because tomorrow is a day of mourning. We remember the destruction of Jerusalem and […]

Hi, Jacob has gone through quiet an ordeal, but now has a family. He’s about to head back to the Land of Israel. … “Jacob went on his way, and angels of G-d encountered him.”  (Genesis, 32:2) Here’s a word about angels. Don’t get your hopes up.  I don’t know that much about them myself! […]

Hi,   Sorry I missed you on Friday.   We were speaking about the importance shared goals in a marriage.   … And shared goals don’t just make a marriage more meaningful.   They make it more romantic!   Because the more meaningful our goals?   The deeper our lives.   And the deeper the […]

Hi, It’s almost time for another wedding. Jacob is about to meet Rachel! But first, a small story with a big lesson. … Jacob comes to a well.  And sees a group of shepherds.  (Genesis, 29:1-8) And says to them, “My brothers, where are you from?” He wanted to know if they knew his mother’s […]

Hi, The minutes add up.  We’re about halfway through the Book of Genesis! And we’re starting a new Torah portion.   (Genesis, 28:10) Jacob leaves the home of his parents Isaac and Rebecca and travels to Rebecca’s family. In search of a wife. … Jacob lies down at night to sleep. And he has a dream.  […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! We’ve seen that in Jewish tradition, Abraham personifies acts of kindness. And Isaac? He represents Divine service. Things like prayer.  Introspection.  Spirituality. You might think of Isaac as a very big Tzadik.  An extremely righteous man. A “holy man.” And sometimes we have a picture of such people. […]