Hi – Hope you’re having a great day! … We recently had “one of those days”. It was Friday, as we were preparing for Shabbos. What happened? Our refrigerator died! Not very good timing!

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 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) … […]

Hope you’re having a great day! One more thought about the Tower of Babel. As we saw, they said, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” (Genesis 11:4) We suggested that the “us” was the State.  As opposed to the individual. And here’s another idea. Different, but related. They wanted to build this huge tower […]

Hope you’re having a great day. We just returned from New York where my wife spent the Shiva mourning period for my father-in-law, of blessed memory. Thanks to all that sent condolences.  We really appreciated it! And may we only share happy news.   We’re about to begin the “Garden of Eden” story. I wanted […]

Hope you’re having a great day. One last thought before we start the “Garden of Eden” story. Yesterday we discussed the Torah’s second description of the creation of man. The story is introduced with a very interesting verse. “On the day that G-d made earth end heaven.” Earth and heaven? That doesn’t sound right! Almost […]