Hi, I make a point of not discussing “politics” in the Torah Minute. In most cases, I don’t think Jewish tradition dictates a specific approach. But I do feel the need to address the death of Yasser Arafat. … The Jewish People were given a mission. “To be a light unto the nations.” We taught […]

Hi, Here’s a Rosh Hashanah thought. There’s challah dipped in honey. Apple and honey. And there’s also a custom to eat a pomegranate. Before eating it, we say a prayer, “May it be G-d’s will that our merits are as plentiful as the seeds of a pomegranate.” We seem to be asking G-d to give […]

Hi, The beginning of the Jewish People. It’s just like the rest of Jewish history. Happens in strange ways! … Jacob wants to marry Rachel. Not so fast. Her father, Laban, switches Leah for Rachel! And Jacob has to work again for Rachel. Rachel and Leah become the primary mothers of the Jewish People. What […]

Hi, Let’s refresh our memories. Jacob meets Rachel and it seems right out of the movies. Until we think about it. Jacob kisses Rachel.  But he cries! He “loves” her.  But suggests waiting seven years. And then the clincher. He loves her so much? That those seven years go by like a few days. Doesn’t […]

Hi, You could have thought you’re at the movies! Jacob meets Rachel. (Genesis, 29:9-20) He’s at the well talking to the shepherds. And Rachel arrives with her father’s sheep. What does Jacob do? He kisses Rachel. It sounds right out of Hollywood! Jacob was really swept off his feet! Then he offers to work seven […]

Hi, It’s good to be back! Today is an important day in the Jewish calendar. The 17th day in the month of Tamuz. It’s a fast day.   Commemorating many tragedies that happened on this day. … It goes all the way back to the Torah. Over 3000 years ago. When Moshe comes down from Mount […]

Hi, I had to share this one with you! We’ve spoken about the need to focus on chessed.  Acts of kindness. Especially between spouses. But be careful! Read this first. … One day, this fellow decides enough is enough. He hasn’t been the kind of husband he should be. But from now on it’s going […]

Hi, We’re about to start one of the most fundamental and challenging stories in the Torah. Abraham is tested.  Challenged. The story of the Akedah.  The “Binding of Isaac”. (Genesis, 22) Abraham is told to bring his son Isaac as an offering to G-d. Before we get to the story, a few words about challenges […]

Hi, Mazal Tov! It’s a boy! Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. (Genesis, 21:1) Isaac represents the Jewish future. … Earlier, Abraham had married Sarah’s servant Hagar. And they had a son, Ishmael. But G-d had told Abraham that Sarah will have a child. And that the Jewish People will come from Isaac. … […]

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. … […]