Hi, I assume that by now you have heard of the suicide bombing in Netanya. It’s very sad when we find ourselves saying, “Thank G-d, only two people killed”. But we do need to say it. … I wanted to share two experiences that I had today. This morning at synagogue, I noticed an elderly […]

Hi, The Torah is amazing! Sometimes it seems “so ancient”.  So “old fashioned. We might say, “We can pass over that one.  Those days are over!” But if we have patience? We’ll discover tremendous lessons.  Very relevant lessons. … You can’t really get around it.  The Torah is thousands of years old. It couldn’t talk […]

Hi, Drishat Shalom, best regards from Israel! I had an amazing trip. Besides the usual high points, like Jerusalem and the Western Wall? I visited some of the fantastic Yeshivas for men and women without extensive Jewish backgrounds. There are some amazing opportunities to really sink your teeth into Jewish learning. And there’s one just […]

Hi, We did it!  Finished the Book of Genesis! Jewish tradition says, “Nothing gives G-d greater joy than when we finish a part of His Torah”! Because the Torah is G-d’s “Love Letter” to the Jewish People. And He loves when we study it! … Exodus begins with the death of Joseph and his brothers. […]

Hi, Sorry I missed you yesterday. Believe me! I enjoy this much more than two hours at the dentist! … Jacob is about to be confronted by Esau. But not so fast. First, Jacob had a very mysterious experience.  (Genesis, 32:23-32) He had taken his family and his possessions across the river. And was now […]

Hi, Yesterday it was kosher filet mignon. One reader told me she will be in Israel for Rosh Hashanah. And is now looking forward to the trip even more! We also spoke about we have outlived our enemies. … Its 167 B.C.E.  Close to the story of Chanukah. And you’re reading the Athens Times. Here’s […]

Hi, Jacob had left the Land of Israel for two reasons. One, his brother Esau was furious that Jacob received the blessings from Isaac. And was planning to kill him. Second, his mother Rebecca sent him to her family to find a wife. Jacob was now returning to his parent’s home in Israel.  (Genesis 32:4) […]

Hi, Here’s a fascinating story that took place in Berlin. It was before anyone could dream of what would happen in Germany. One of the greatest Torah scholars of Eastern Europe was visiting Berlin. And was invited to speak at a yeshiva. The Rabbi spoke to the rabbinical students in Berlin about today’s story. … […]

Hi, There’s one more story about Lot. And unfortunately, it’s on my mind today. We had seen that Lot was hosting two guests. The “people of Sodom” surrounded his home in order to sexually assault them. Lot’s response? Shocking! He went out and pleaded with them.  (Genesis; 4-8) “I beg you… do not act wickedly. […]

Hope you’re having a great day! … Mention the Biblical figure ‘Lot’. The response of many Jews? ‘Who?’ … Which is part of the tragedy of Lot’s life. Lot was Abraham’s nephew. And was influenced by his teachings. When G-d sent Abraham on his mission? Lot was with him. (Genesis; 12:4) It looked like he […]