Gold Plated Judaism
G-d commanded Moses: "Make an ark of acacia wood, 2 1/2 cubits long, 1 1/2 cubits wide and 1 1/2 cubits high. Cover it with a layer of pure gold on the inside and outside, and make a gold rim all around its top" (Exod. 25:10). The Talmud explains that the practical...
The Big Picture
A serious change took place with the Jewish people. In Egypt, Moshe had observed that the people he was to lead were a difficult people. He had seen Jews beating each other and informing on each other. He was frustrated by how they didn't get along, and complained...
When Jews Show Passion
At the splitting of the sea we finally showed some emotion and passion.
When Jews Show Passion
Dedicated by the Sitzer family in memory of their grandmother and my great aunt, Chaya Rachel bas Menashe Sitzer a"h (nee Haber) who left this world in 5735 (1975). She arrived in the United States from Europe in 1921 with 3 children (the fourth child was born in...
Clap Your Hands!
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...
Who Are We Anyway?
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...
When We Witness Disgrace
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...
Living For The Above
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 G-d's...
Ephronics
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 plan - these...