Hi, How’s this for a shocker? The “Ten Commandments” is not a Jewish idea! Sounds like saying “apple pie” is not American! What could be more Jewish than the Ten Commandments? Aren’t they our gift to the world? … It’s the name that’s not Jewish. In Hebrew, they’re called, “Aseres Hadibros.”.  The “Ten Utterances.” They […]

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, Jacob has gone through quiet an ordeal, but now has a family. He’s about to head back to the Land of Israel. … “Jacob went on his way, and angels of G-d encountered him.”  (Genesis, 32:2) Here’s a word about angels. Don’t get your hopes up.  I don’t know that much about them myself! […]

Hi, We left off in the middle of Jacob’s prophetic vision. What’s next? G-d promises Jacob’s that his descendants, the Jewish People, will inherit the Land of Israel. “… I am the Lord, G-d of Abraham your father and G-d of Isaac. The ground upon which you are lying, I will give to your descendants.”  […]

Hi, The minutes add up.  We’re about halfway through the Book of Genesis! And we’re starting a new Torah portion.   (Genesis, 28:10) Jacob leaves the home of his parents Isaac and Rebecca and travels to Rebecca’s family. In search of a wife. … Jacob lies down at night to sleep. And he has a dream.  […]

Thank G-d!  The Akeida has a happy ending! You may remember it from Hebrew School. Or maybe you couldn’t wait and you finished the story! At the last minute G-d tells Abraham to stop. (Genesis 22, 10-13) “You passed the test.  Now I know that you fear G-d! And that’s all I ever wanted.” … […]

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. … […]

As we saw, Abraham interrupted G-d’s visit to take care of three strangers. He taught us the greatness of helping those in need. When the guests were taken care of? Abraham goes back to G-d. And G-d tells him the good news. “By this time next year, Sarah will have a child!” (Genesis, 18:10) … […]

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 […]