by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Oct 25, 2013 | Chayei Sarah
When I was a young Yeshiva bochur I was impressed with intelligence. I looked at the Gedolim and was in awe of their intellect. They seemed to know everything. Now, as I get older I’m less impressed with intellect and much more taken with their kindness. People tell...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Oct 18, 2013 | Vayeira
In order to succeed in our business or profession we must never allow ourselves to live by reacting. If we are reacting we are not in control. If we are reacting we are living for other peoples agendas. If we are reacting we are stressed out and we go to sleep every...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Oct 11, 2013 | Lech Lecha, Vayeira
Abraham did not travel alone. Apart from his many followers, he had three companions: Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. When God commanded Abram (henceforth Abraham) to circumcise himself and his male household, he asked advice from these three friends in turn, as to whether he...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Oct 4, 2013 | Noach
In 1993 I traveled from Australia to Hong Kong. I was invited by the Hong Kong community to lead a Shabbaton. A wonderful Sephardic Jew by the name of David Darvish picked me up at the airport. As we drove from the airport through one of the most glamorous cities in...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Aug 30, 2013 | Vayelech
Why are there not lines outside shuls begging to get in? I remember so vividly, about 25 years ago, as a rabbi in Buffalo, NY, when a Buffalonian living in India came to see me. His name was Irving Goldstein, but he called himself by some Indian name. He was the...