Rosh Hashanah is approaching. The Jewish New Year. And there’s a big difference between the secular New Years and Rosh Hashanah. At New Years parties, people try to “lose themselves”. On Rosh Hashana? We’re supposed to find ourselves! … I hope you were inspired by Monday’s story about Mort Friedman in Israel. I met Mort […]

Hi, … Here’s something I found fascinating. Two secular Israeli archeologists wrote a book. This is a summary of what they said. “In the 13th century B.C.E., Egypt was at the peak of its authority. The dominant world power. Its border fortifications were extremely heavily guarded. Putting aside the possibility of Divinely inspired miracles? One […]

Hi, The last Torah Minute was not totally accurate! I kept talking about the Jewish People making and worshipping a golden calf. Well, that needs to be qualified. Part of the Jewish People did. Which part? The Talmud makes it very clear.  And a careful reading of the text supports it. (Exodus, 32:1-3) It was […]

Hi, Happy birthday! Today we become a People. The Jewish People finally arrive at Mount Sinai. We receive the Torah.  And are given our mission. G-d tells Moshe to speak to the “house of Israel”. (Exodus, 19:3) … The Talmud tells us, who is the “house of Israel”? The Jewish women. G-d tells Moshe to […]

Hi, … Here’s something I found fascinating. Two secular Israeli archeologists wrote a book. This is a summary of what they said. “In the 13th century B.C.E., Egypt was at the peak of its authority.  The dominant world power. Its border fortifications were extremely heavily guarded. Putting aside the possibility of Divinely inspired miracles? One […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! Here’s one of the most fascinating stories in the Torah.  (Genesis,18) … Abraham is sitting in front of his tent, recuperating from his circumcision. And G-d appears to him.  Has something to tell him. Prophecy. But Abraham looks up and sees three strangers approaching. And he does something […]

Hope you’re having a great day. And that today’s lesson won’t apply to you personally! .. The Talmud warns us to never enter a home unannounced. Even our own. And even the room of a child. Especially a teenager! It’s not derech eretz. Not proper etiquette. A person may be startled, caught off guard. Not […]