President Obama ran one of the most incredible presidential campaigns in the history of our country, featuring a one-word slogan: “Change”. He promised that if he were elected to office, he would change the direction for this country’s future, and the sun would rise on a new era of prosperity and success. Sounds great! Whether […]
“He [Yitzchak] smelled the fragrance of his [Yaakov’s] garments, and he blessed him.” (Genesis 27:27) Yitzchak, realizing that he was near the end of his life, decides to bless one of his sons. This blessing would determine which son would be the forefather of God’s chosen nation. Surprisingly, Yitzchak selects Eisav over Yaakov! Rivka, upon […]
It all started back in the year 1621. The Pilgrims, who had settled at the Plymouth Plantation, had just had a successful growing season and wanted to express their thanks. The small group of settlers gathered together and celebrated with a harvest feast where they offered prayers of thanks, and thus the first Thanksgiving took place. Today, almost 400 […]
‘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 two weeks before Thanksgiving until a week after New Year’s we are bombarded from every angle and venue with offers that we are told we […]
For the past thousands of years, at every traditional Jewish wedding, as the bride and groom stand under the Chupah, blissfully in love and staring adoringly at one another, the Rabbi (or other distinguished guest) recites seven special blessings in honor of the new couple. One of them goes as follows: “Bring great joy to […]