Pesach Burston

As we mark 20 years, we reflect on the horrors of that tragic day as well as the triumphs.

A sapling is vulnerable to even the slightest scratch. On a full-grown tree the scratch will go unnoticed. Yet, on a sapling it will cause severe permanent damage.

The famous Torah scholar, Rabbi Yonatan Eibeschutz, was an advisor to the king. Once, while strolling down the streets of Vienna, the king met his wise advisor and friend. After greeting each other amiably, the king asked his Jewish subject where he was g...

Standing by his wagon, the wagon driver donned tallis and tefillin and recited the morning prayers. In the midst of his prayers, he realized that his wagon was broken. He became occupied with fixing his wagon and was distracted from his prayers. Rabbi Lev...

The students of the Maggid of Mezritch were immersed in discussing the profound mystical concepts that their Rebbe had taught that morning. Amongst them sat Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. One student raised a thought-provoking question. “How would you cre...

Reminiscing about his 1992 visit to Israel, Zelig recalls an experience in a Jerusalem frozen yogurt shop: “This was a unique treat for me, because at that time it wasn’t easy to buy kosher frozen yogurt in New York. “First you could choose between a choc...

The Rebbe suffered a serious heart attack in 1977. The following day, the Rebbe insisted on delivering a discourse, as he had done on that same day for the previous thirty-eight years. A few days later, the doctor asked, “How is the Rebbe feeling?” “Physi...

A host and his guest were discussing philosophies of education. One advocated not giving children any religious instruction, calling it “conditioning.” The host did not respond, but invited his visitor to the garden. Upon entering the garden, the visitor ...

A G-d-fearing Jew once embarked on a long overseas journey. He was one of many traveling with valuable merchandise, planning to spend several months overseas selling their goods, and hoping to return with a significant profit. One evening, far out at sea,...

Once a wise king wished to marry off his favorite daughter. He devised a contest to establish which eligible bachelor would qualify for this tremendous privilege. The king announced that anyone who wanted to marry the princess must report to the palace an...