Hi, … Lieutenant Meyer Birnbaum. A typical “American Jewish kid” who was drafted during the Second World War. He was among the liberators of Buchenwald and other D.P. camps. As a fellow Jew, he was able to give emotional and spiritual support to many survivors. Here’s an excerpt from his autobiography. “In Buchenwald, a gentile […]

Hi, Every once in a while I’m reminded of the miracle of miracles. The survival of the Jewish People and its Torah. …It was in 1939. The beginning of the Second World War The Nazis invade Lublin, Poland. And first thing they do is take over the world famous Yeshiva. It was called Yeshiva Chachmei […]

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, 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, 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, Thanks again for letting me share my mother’s story. And thanks to all that took the time to tell me that they were inspired. Especially those that said kind things about me. My Mom would actually believe it! … This Monday night and Tuesday is the ninth day of the Jewish month Av. The […]

Hi, We can’t seem to avoid it. The Torah keeps coming back to weddings! Now its time for Jacob to find a wife. (Genesis, 28:1-4) … Isaac gives Jacob a charge. “Do not take a wife from the Canaanite women.” Or in other words, “Don’t marry out.” And Isaac sends Jacob to look in his […]

Hi, Here’s a follow up to yesterday’s Torah Minute. And it takes place in Vienna in 1927. Sigmund Freud writes the following. “Civilization has little to fear from educated people… In them replacement of religious motives for civilized behavior, by other, secular motives, would proceed unobtrusively.” Not quiet what the Rabbi said in Berlin! Picture […]

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. … […]