As you may know, the Code of Jewish Law is also known by its Hebrew title, Shulchan Aruch, which literally means “a set table.” That seems like an odd title for a book of rules and regulations. Something along the lines of “Magna Carta,” which means “the great charter,” would seem to be more appropriate. […]
Every once in a while, a student comments to me, “If G-d would only perform an open miracle for me, then I would believe…” There are several possible responses to this. I would like to share with you my favorite approach, which comes along with a story. By way of introduction, let us look at […]
We can all imagine the scene. Several women are pleasantly schmoozing with one another, catching up on all of the latest news, and one of them proudly proclaims, “I get a big mazel tov!” The others turn to her and inquire, “What’s the occasion? Did your son get engaged? Did your daughter give birth?” “No,” […]
Moshe (Moses) would have never been elected president. Not only that, he never would have never even gotten a job as a rabbi – he wouldn’t have made it past the search committee. But, that’s OK, because he never would have run for office or applied for these positions. Think about it — what do […]
Picture the following scenario: It’s 1:30 PM, and a woman, let’s call her Nancy, is sitting in her home in Closter, NJ. The doorbell rings. Nancy opens the door and standing there is a delivery boy from Closter Flowers with a stunning bouquet of perfect extra long-stemmed red roses in a Swarovski crystal vase. Nancy […]
Antonio and Sons came highly recommended as the contractor of choice to build the home of your dreams. After several meetings with architects and designers, a blueprint is drawn up and a date is chosen to begin construction. On the morning of the big day, your doorbell rings. Standing at your threshold is Antonio himself! […]
Wife (calling husband at work): “Hi Honey, I have a great idea. Let’s get a babysitter and go check out that new restaurant tonight. We haven’t been out together in a while.” Husband (barely hearing her): “What did you say? Oh, go out together? Sounds like a good idea, but not tonight, working late.” Child: […]
Eli Manning and the Super Bowl champion Giants seem like a distant memory. Just a couple of weeks ago they were the toast of the town, paraded down the legendary “canyon of heroes” in a ticker tape parade. Just when many thought that there would be nothing left to cheer for until opening day of […]
Since this week’s Torah portion, Shemos, literally means “names”, I’d like to examine the significance of the name of one of the Bible’s most famous personalities: Moses. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabah 1:3) teaches that Moses actually had ten names – Moshe, Yered, Chaver, Yekutiel, Avigdor, Avi Socho, Avi Zanuach, Tuviah, Shemayah, and Halevi. Yet, throughout […]