Hi, Sorry we missed you yesterday. A few words about the Sh’ma.  Judaism’s declaration of faith. We read it in this weeks Torah portion. … It’s the Jewish belief in monotheism.  One G-d. “Hear Israel, the Lord our G-d is One”. Of course, it taught the world about G-d. That there is only one. But […]

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, 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, Please allow a personal note for the second time. The first was a tribute to my Dad on the anniversary of his passing.  His “yartzeit.” Today is a tribute to my Mom on her yartzeit. … You may remember that my Dad did not come from an observant background. And what happened? He met […]

Hi, I was asked to clarify the last few lines of yesterday’s “Torah Minute.” I wrote them as “deadline” was approaching! “… We’re not likely to ever meet an angel. But the more acts of kindness we choose to do? The more we choose to elevate our lives? The less it matters!” … I was […]

Hi, Here are some thoughts about Rachel. One of the four Matriarchs.  The spiritual mothers of the Jewish people. Together with Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah. Her story is sad. For many years she had no children. Finally, she gives birth to Joseph. (Genesis, 30:22) And then to Benjamin. But she dies in childbirth.  (35:16-20) … […]

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, I’ve been sitting at my computer thinking. We’re about to start the next Torah portion, so I was looking for a small nugget to share. Here’s what came to mind. … One of the great Rabbis of the past generation always looked for lessons in life. In his days, it was the telegraph. He […]

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 […]