by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Feb 6, 2015 | Yitro
The Torah recounts the reunion of Moses and his father-in-law Yisro. Moses tells him of all the wonderful miracles G-d has done for the Jews. In response the Torah tells us “Vayichad Yisro” (Exod. 18:9). Rashi gives 2 explanations for this phrase: (1)...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Jan 30, 2015 | Beshalach
Some Talmudic history. When Rav Yehudah HaNasi died his son suggested that Rebbe Chanina become the new leader of Klal Yisroel. Rebbe Chanina declined. He knew that he had qualified colleagues that had their heart set on the top job. The last thing he wanted to do was...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Jan 23, 2015 | Bo
G-d said, “…And also I heard the cries of the Children of Israel as they are slaves in Egypt; and I will remember My covenant.” G-d also heard! Who else is important? Who else can listen and answer our cries except G-d? Who else should hear our prayers? The answer is...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Jan 16, 2015 | Shemot, Va'eira
In Australia I ran a beginners minyan. One Shabbos morning an older man came in. He wasn’t the usual type of attendee, he stood out. He was an old-timer, a European Jew During minyan he sat motionless in the back. It was a participatory Minyan, but he didn’t seem to...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Jan 9, 2015 | Shemot
Moshe was eighty years old when he stumbled upon the burning bush. He was a senior shepherd entering into the final trimester of his life. He was a poor man. Those weren’t his own flocks that he was watching, they belonged to his aged father-in-law Yisro. He had...
