I have to share this story with you! It’s a follow up to the last few “Torah Minutes.” … There are quite a few CTN participants who have gotten much more involved in Jewish tradition and observance than the way they were raised. And I always love meeting their parents – many of whom have […]

Hope you’re having a great day! … Mention the Biblical figure ‘Lot’. The response of many Jews? ‘Who?’ … Which is part of the tragedy of Lot’s life. Lot was Abraham’s nephew. And was influenced by his teachings. When G-d sent Abraham on his mission? Lot was with him. (Genesis; 12:4) It looked like he […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day1 The city of Sodom. A name that goes down in infamy. The people had become morally corrupt. And G-d tells Abraham that He will destroy them. (Genesis; 18:17) … Abraham shows his true greatness. How does he respond to the news? To the destruction of a society that […]

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 […]

Hope you’re having a great day! … One more thought about circumcision. Many times in Jewish history, our enemies have tried to outlaw circumcision. The Greeks (Chanukah story) made it a capital offense. Circumcision really upset them. Why? Part of it was their obsession with physical beauty and perfection. They admired the “perfect body.” And […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! The Jewish People have been around for a very long time. And when we do things like Shabbat or Jewish holidays? We should feel part of a chain going back to Mount Sinai. Over 3300 years ago. And we should be inspired! … But there’s is a Jewish […]

Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! As we saw yesterday, Abraham was given a promise. He’ll become a great nation that will change the world. G-d even promises the Land of Israel to Abraham’s children. Sounds like a great plan! There’s only one problem. Abraham and Sarah are old. And how many children do […]

Hope you’re having a great day! It’s easy to remember the Jewish date of Abraham’s birth. 1948! (Around 1800 B.C.E.) … G-d appears to Abraham and gives him a mission. (Genesis 12:1) “Leave your birthplace.  I’ll make you into a great nation. You’ll be a source of blessing for the entire world.” And one more […]

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 […]