by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Dec 31, 2010 | Va'eira
Jewish history has shown two models for leadership. There is the leader who serves as a peacemaker and will negotiate, compromise, and reconcile for peace at any expense. He or she radiates and is driven by chesed and absolutely cannot stand to see another Jew in...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Dec 17, 2010 | Vayechi
Yaakov looked at his grandchildren and exclaimed: Mee Eileh? Who are these boys? Yaakov wasn't blind. Yitzchak was. Yitzchak couldn't tell Yaakov from Esav, he was blind. But now, Yosef brings his two sons Efraim and Menashe to his ailing father Yaakov. Yaakov...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Dec 9, 2010 | Vayigash
The story of Yosef defies imagination. Picture yourself stuck in a dangerous pit, crawling with poisonous snakes, screaming out for help while catching a glimpse of your brothers sitting down to break bread, ignoring your pleas for mercy. When they finish eating they...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Nov 12, 2010 | Vayetzei
What kind of Jew cuts a deal with G-d? What a chutzpah to say to G-d: I will behave; I will do Your will – IF – You promise to take care of me. The true servant of G-d, you would think, worships his Creator with unconditional servitude. He or she will do...
by Rabbi Yaacov Haber | Oct 28, 2010 | Chayei Sarah
A while ago I coined a new term; “Ephronic”. It refers to some one who talks and talks about the good they are going to do but in the end do absolutely nothing. Whether it be an act of charity, personal weight loss diet, a physical or spiritual fitness...