I ran away from school crying on my very first day of first grade. Why, you ask? Was the teacher a strict disciplinarian? A cruel tyrant who caused innocent children […]
Parshas Shelach – Like Grasshoppers Read More »
The words parents hate to hear: “But Ma, all the other kids have it!” (Spoken in an exceptionally whining, nagging tone.) Parents hate to hear it because it is so
Parshas Ki Seitzei – Just Say No Read More »
‘Tis the season to be materialistic. You can’t get away from it. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Sensational Super Sale Sunday (okay, no such thing — I made it up). From
Parshas Vayishlach – Material Mania! Read More »
Imagine doing a strenuous workout outside on a ninety-degree summer day. The workout is tough — but you do it. You feel good. Invigorated. You go inside your house and
Parshas Chukas – The Living Years Read More »
Immediately following its opening sentences, the Shema contains the following powerful verse: “And you shall love the L-rd, your G-d, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your resources” (Deuteronomy
Parshas Ve’eschanan – Saying “I Love” and Meaning It Read More »
Knaidel. K-N-A-I-D-E-L. Knaidel. By correctly spelling this Jewish culinary delight, an Indian-American boy won the 2013 Scripps National Spelling Bee, beating hundreds of other contestants. Jewish bubbies worldwide were kvelling.
Parshas Korach – A Kneydl and a Kvetch Read More »
Moshe (Moses) would have never been elected president. Not only that, he never would have never even gotten a job as a rabbi – he wouldn’t have made it past
Parshas Shmos – The Faithful Shepherd Read More »
I hate bar mitzvahs. There, I said it. I know it sounds like a strange thing for a Rabbi to say, but I can’t help it. Despite the many meaningful bar mitzvahs
Parshas Vayishlach – Bar Mitzvah Blues Read More »
It’s that time of the year again. Shofars are blowing, apples are dipping, briskets are cooking, and honey is sticking. But, most importantly, G-d Himself is calling. With apologies to
Parshas Nitzavim/Vayelech – The Most Wonderful Time of Year Read More »
A fancy house, a cool car, an exciting vacation, pleasurable intimacy, designer clothes, the best doctors and hospitals, power, information, and popularity. Think about it: How much time, money, and effort
Parshas Kedoshim – Pious Pleasures Read More »