ב"ה

Lech-Lecha 5763 - October 18, 2002

It's Been Done Before

Sometimes it can be frustrating being a Jew. No matter what you do, one of your grandfathers or grandmothers has already done it. How can one ever do anything original with such ancestors?
Parshah
Lech Lecha in a Nutshell
Abram travels to Canaan, Sarai is taken captive by Pharaoh, and Lot settles in the evil city of Sodom. G‑d promises the Land of Israel to Abram’s descendants. Ishmael is born, Abram becomes Abraham, Sarai becomes Sarah, and they are promised a son. Abraham circumcises himself.
Forgiveness

"Jay," my friend wrote in his e-mail, "I don’t think you should go to shul and ask G-d for forgiveness. This Yom Kippur you should stay home, and G-d should beg you to forgive Him for what He's done to you"
Is the World Really Getting Better?

You're always talking about how the world is ready and prepared for the Age of Moshiach. I don't see it. It looks like a pretty awful world to me...
Parenting
My Children Pray

Shira searched for the shortest two chapters in the book. With great care and effort, she began to recite each word, in her most authoritative voice, waiting patiently for her brother to repeat it
The daily prayers were instituted in place of the daily sacrifices in the Holy Temple
— Talmud, Berachot 26b
Print Magazine

When the Mighty Waters cover your head, suffocating the soul and the flame that burnt inside . . .

When raging torrents of confusion drag you away in their current, ripping you from your hold on Life . . .

Look deeper. Beyond the soul.

For the soul itself, as well as the flame it holds, are rooted in a serene G‑dly Wor...