ב"ה
Tetzaveh 5769 - March 6, 2009
Holidays
The Secret of the Hamantash
Wasn’t Haman the guy who wanted to wipe us out? Why would we immortalize him by eating cookies that bear his name?
Wasn’t Haman the guy who wanted to wipe us out? Why would we immortalize him by eating cookies that bear his name?
The Underhand Spin
There are two holidays on which we spin. The Chanukah dreidel is spun from above. Purim's gragger is turned from below...
There are two holidays on which we spin. The Chanukah dreidel is spun from above. Purim's gragger is turned from below...
The Holiday When We Became Jewish
The first time we're ever called "Jews" is in the Purim story. Were we not Jewish before then? Or perhaps the question is: what's the connection between Purim and Judah?
The first time we're ever called "Jews" is in the Purim story. Were we not Jewish before then? Or perhaps the question is: what's the connection between Purim and Judah?
Destiny Unknown
When the artist sets his hands to his craft, he turns his back on perfection, as a warrior turns his back on fear...
When the artist sets his hands to his craft, he turns his back on perfection, as a warrior turns his back on fear...
Three Pertinent Points of the Purim Pastry
Although the hamantash has been around for thousands of years, it was considered a moot point in higher academic circles. Other than being a tasty snack, it seemed to hold no special significance...
Although the hamantash has been around for thousands of years, it was considered a moot point in higher academic circles. Other than being a tasty snack, it seemed to hold no special significance...
Living
Some of My Worst Enemies Are Efficient
If I appear absent-minded, it is because I live in a more fluid reality
If I appear absent-minded, it is because I live in a more fluid reality
Learning to Control Your Instincts
Put your hand on the back of your head. In Hebrew, this area is called the oref, it is where our reptilian brain resides...
Put your hand on the back of your head. In Hebrew, this area is called the oref, it is where our reptilian brain resides...
Check Out My Room
“This,” they declared, in contrast to how most people thought a home should be furnished, “is interior decorating.”
“This,” they declared, in contrast to how most people thought a home should be furnished, “is interior decorating.”
Eight Eternal Lights
Suddenly we became aware of the fact that the souls of these boys were here with us, as we danced with the Torahs dedicated to their memories. The room was electric with their presence.
Suddenly we became aware of the fact that the souls of these boys were here with us, as we danced with the Torahs dedicated to their memories. The room was electric with their presence.
My Non-Alcoholic Purim
Brian was a Kohen and was raised in a chassidic home in Brooklyn. Until his Bar Mitzvah, he was a typical chassidic kid. Presently, in addition to being an addict, Brian claimed to have converted out of the Jewish faith. He wore a necklace with a cross to show it.
Brian was a Kohen and was raised in a chassidic home in Brooklyn. Until his Bar Mitzvah, he was a typical chassidic kid. Presently, in addition to being an addict, Brian claimed to have converted out of the Jewish faith. He wore a necklace with a cross to show it.
Parshah
The Parshah in a Nutshell
Aaron, the high priest, is to light the menorah daily with pure olive oil. The priestly garments are described, and G‑d details the seven-day initiation process for Aaron and his sons. Instructions for the building of the golden altar are given.
Aaron, the high priest, is to light the menorah daily with pure olive oil. The priestly garments are described, and G‑d details the seven-day initiation process for Aaron and his sons. Instructions for the building of the golden altar are given.
The Missing Moses
What do we imagine to be Moses’ finest hour? Receiving the Torah? Leading the Jews to the Exodus? Splitting the sea? Would you be shocked if I told you it is none of the above?
What do we imagine to be Moses’ finest hour? Receiving the Torah? Leading the Jews to the Exodus? Splitting the sea? Would you be shocked if I told you it is none of the above?
The Removable Self
Man is the only truly clothed creature—a creature who attires him- or herself not only for warmth and protection, but to alter, enhance, even transform, his very identity.
Man is the only truly clothed creature—a creature who attires him- or herself not only for warmth and protection, but to alter, enhance, even transform, his very identity.
The Jewish Woman
Breaking Through The Clouds
So there I was at Harvard's most exclusive garden party, unable to imagine any place higher. And all I was doing was standing there feeling relieved that nobody was noticing me...
So there I was at Harvard's most exclusive garden party, unable to imagine any place higher. And all I was doing was standing there feeling relieved that nobody was noticing me...
Don't Let The Light Go Out
It has been nearly two years since that fateful night. My family is still suffering the aftermath. I have not been able to work because of the pain. Every day has moments of deep sorrow, but there is also tremendous joy...
It has been nearly two years since that fateful night. My family is still suffering the aftermath. I have not been able to work because of the pain. Every day has moments of deep sorrow, but there is also tremendous joy...
To Bake Or To Buy?
A few years into the "mothering thing" my enthusiasm for these homey projects was on the wane. I opted for the clean and easy way to do the mitzvah of Shalach Manot: a trip to the kosher bakery for store-bought hamantashen...
A few years into the "mothering thing" my enthusiasm for these homey projects was on the wane. I opted for the clean and easy way to do the mitzvah of Shalach Manot: a trip to the kosher bakery for store-bought hamantashen...
Jewish News
Teenage Volunteers Spend Weekend Strengthening Friendships
Some 50 teenage volunteers who provide much-needed friendship for children with special needs gathered for a three-day conference in suburban Detroit, flying in for the occasion from cities around the world.
Some 50 teenage volunteers who provide much-needed friendship for children with special needs gathered for a three-day conference in suburban Detroit, flying in for the occasion from cities around the world.
When a person walks along without a thought of Torah in his head, the very ground under his feet cries out: "Clod! What makes you any better than me? By what rights do you step on me?"
— Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch
Print Magazine
“Every day, the Torah must be new to you.” (Sifrei)
Torah is our life, and life is here and now, forever new.
Which means that for you to be truly alive, the Torah you learn today must touch the core of your soul.
And the same tomorrow. And the next day as well.
To live with Torah is to be forever newly born.
Maamar...
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