In a remarkable historical note we read in the Talmud that “The early generations of pious men would wait one hour, pray one hour, then wait one hour again.” (Berkhot 33a) In other words, those who were pious would spend an hour preparing for prayer, then pray, then take another hour to turn their thoughts Continue Reading »
An important note about our annual food drive and it starts with a question: Which is more important – the Day of Atonement or the Sabbath? Answer? The Sabbath. Yom Kippur may be the holy day when most Jews show up to Temple but it is not mentioned in the Ten Commandments. Shabbat is. So Continue Reading »
Fishing is a popular outdoors activity that enables people of all ages to appreciate the peace and beauty of the natural environment. However, when fishing line is left behind, the discarded fishing line is not only unsightly, but it can cause real damage, by entangling birds, fish, turtles, and other animals. This can be lethal, Continue Reading »
Where was I on 9/12, the day after the planes struck the Towers? I led a congregation on Staten Island, NY and was putting together a prayer service, deciding whether or not to sing “God Bless America.” Our son, Ben had gone to his high school in Manhattan the day before and would not come Continue Reading »
It’s been a very hard week. The killing of six hostages in Gaza, including Hersh Goldberg Polin, an Israeli/American citizen, has sent tens of thousands of Israelis into the street to demand a ceasefire that will lead to freeing of the remaining hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu has been resolute in his response: “No.” His argument is Continue Reading »
One might think that the Jewish day begins in the morning. After all, that is when the sun rises and the warmth of light is felt. One might also think that the Jewish New Year begins in the spring, when the flowers bloom and the birds begin to sing. But in actuality, a Jewish day Continue Reading »
I love to eat. And what I love to eat best is bread. All kinds of bread. Challah. Rye bread. Biscuits. Croissants. I enjoy eating bread more than cake and cookies. Ask my mother; she will tell you. It’s a good thing that my family is in the Kosher food business. My brother keeps me Continue Reading »
Nancy and I are proud of our children. Ben is a musician; Emily is deeply involved in international politics. Today Emily has an article appearing in the “Jewish Journal of Los Angeles.” It’s entitled: “How My Nine-Year-Old Daughter Learned That People Hate Her.” I think you’ll find it of interest. Here’s the link, (which you Continue Reading »
For the next couple of weeks the theme will be love. It starts this Shabbat with the first portion of the Book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is different than the other four books of the Torah. Biblical scholars look to its unique vocabulary and distinct themes as evidence of a separate writer. Deuteronomy even has its Continue Reading »
Did you know that Jews are not supposed to make promises? If you say to a Jewish friend, “See you tomorrow,” your friend is supposed to respond, “lo b’neder,” – “not as a vow,” (meaning “I won’t hold you to it.” “I won’t take that as a promise.”) The reason Jews are not to make Continue Reading »
