Monthly Archives: May 2015

I tried to fill myself with Torah this Shavuot. I recited the bulk of the traditional Tikkun, a “sampling” of the entire Torah which not only includes selections from the beginning and end of every parsha and every book of … Continue reading →

Although the period of time between Pesach and Shavuot, which by all rights should be filled with the joy and anticipation of receiving Torah, has been designated a time of semi-mourning with restrictions on weddings, shopping, music and other celebrations, commemorating … Continue reading →

שיר השירים ה:טו) שׁוֹקָיו עַמּוּדֵי שֵׁשׁ) His legs are pillars of marble (Shir HaShirim 5:15) The Rebbe Rashab (Shalom DovBer Schneerson), the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, refers to the Midrash (Midrash Rabba 10:1) which plays on the words שוק (shok), leg/thigh … Continue reading →

Make no mistake, Eretz Yisrael is unique. The differences are not merely that it’s easy to find tasty kosher food, or that Hebrew is the national language or the secular calendar respects the Jewish one, but rather that the potential … Continue reading →

כִּי בֵיתִי בֵּית־תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכָל־הָעַמִּים Because My house will be acknowledged a House of Prayer for all the nations (Isaiah  56:7) (I apologize to those readers who will be angry or offended by these words, but I hope they’ll understand … Continue reading →

As every parent of more than one child has learned, it’s impossible to treat each child identically, and even if that were possible, it would be terrible parenting technique. Each child is born unique, with unique skills and strengths and … Continue reading →