Secret Code!
Although the life of our forefather Yaacov was filled with challenges, the last seventeen years of his life, when he lived in Egypt, were idyllic. His entire family was intact and there was an infrastructure of Jewish life and study in the land of Goshen, the area designated for the Jews in Egypt. Yaacov and …
Remedy Depression!
For twenty-two long years our forefather Yaacov mourned continuously over the loss of his beloved son Yosef. The Torah relates that all of Yaacov’s children tried to comfort him during this time, but he rejected their words and remained in a state of despair. The question raised is, usually when one faces a devastating loss, …
Willpower!
Although the Torah – G-d’s eternal Law book that consists of the five Books of Moshe – was completed 3290 years ago when our leader Moshe passed away a month before the Jews entered the land of Israel, the Talmud finds hints in the Torah to the names of Esther, Mordechai, and Haman of the …
Ascend or Descend!
With Chanukah quickly approaching, I want to share a profound idea presented by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach o.b.m. which expands and illuminates Chanukah and its rituals. There is an interesting debate in the Talmud between the Sages of Bais Hillel and Bais Shamai whether we start Chanukah with one candle on our Menorah and add a …
Small Golden Chain!
Our forefather Yaacov struggled and fought with the angel of his hated brother Aisav and overpowered him. The angel changed Yaacov’s name to Yisroel. Yaakov means heel, because he was holding the heel of Aisav when he was born, but the word Yaacov also has a connotation of trickery. The name Yisroel however, connotes superiority. …
Moving Sidewalks!
The speed of travelling was greatly advanced with the advent of mechanical and fuel powered engines. Before that, the speed of travel was limited to walking or using animals and ships. However, the Talmud points out that there were two trips referred to in the Torah, when high-speed travel was employed. When Eliezer travelled out …
More to the Story!
Our Patriarch Avraham earned the distinguished title of Forefather of the Jewish people by consistently displaying his devotion to G-d and mankind. G-d personally blessed Avraham and He conferred this blessing onto his son Yitzchok as well. The deserving recipient of the Patriarchal blessing received an unbounded and eternal relationship between himself and the Almighty …
Gift of Speech!
This past Tuesday evening the Scranton Jewish Community Center hosted a community wide vigil in response to the horrific attack in Pittsburgh this past Shabbos. It was attended by over 500 people. Many non-Jews participated as a gesture of solidarity with us. I was given the opportunity to address the gathering and these are my …
Shabbat Mega Winnings!
Today I’m three dollars richer. This is because I didn’t play the Powerball lottery even though when I see a significantly large jackpot I usually do so. If you ask me, why didn’t I? I have two explanations. Firstly, I figured if I would win the largest jackpot it would place too much unwarranted focus …
Against the Tide!
Our forefather Avraham earned his title as progenitor of the Jewish people due to his unswerving devotion to G-d. Avraham spread the awareness of G-d to the masses and loyally and devotedly listened to G-d’s instruction – even when it appeared to be in conflict or paradoxical to his moral beliefs or to what G-d …
Major Impact!
G-d decided to destroy the world 1656 years after it was created because it had become corrupted beyond repair. Except for what was preserved on the Ark, all mankind, animal life and vegetation was destroyed. The only human life preserved on the Ark was Noach, his wife Na’ama, their three sons, and their wives. At …
Distinction & Purpose!
When someone or something is given a name or title, he or it is given an identity and a certain reality. The Torah states that during the seven days of creation of the world G-d specifically called or named six things: Light, night (darkness), the waters, the sky, the earth and Adam – man. After …
