Yesterday was Tu B’Shvat. The New Year for Trees falls during the winter. All things considered, winter is an interesting season in which to celebrate this new year! Of all seasons, this seems the one least likely to be “tree-centered.” Spring - the blossoms, buds...
So often, we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Life is always good, and sometimes seemingly, not so good. If I go forward, well, it’s “into the sea” and if I go backward, well, it’s right into the arms of my...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Bo, the Israelites are commanded regarding the first national mitzvah, that of Kidush Ha’Chodesh, the sanctification of the new month: הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים - this month is for you, the first of the months (Ex.12:2). In fact, this...
Parshas Va’era opens as Hashem reiterates to Moshe that He has given the land of Israel to the children of Israel. Not only has He promised us Eretz Yisrael, but He assures Moshe that He will take us out from under the burden of oppression;...
It is the 8th day of Chanukah today, “Zos Chanukah”, and as I pen these words, there is just over one hour left to Chanukah 5775… The latkes and donuts have been eaten, the gelt has been distributed, the candles burned and went out, Hallel...
In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, we journey with Yosef from the comfort of his home in the land of Canaan, to the dangers surrounding him in the land of Egypt. Upon arrival in Egypt, Yosef is bought by Potiphar, the chief executioner. “You can...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei, Yaakov Avinu arrives at a well, on his way to the house of his uncle Lavan, as he flees from before his brother Eisav. Upon arrival at the well, he sees groups of shepherds, along with their flocks, congregating...
“Over these I cry, my eye, my eye, runs with tears” (Eichah 1:16). With heavy hearts and eyes that run with tears, we reflect on a day of terrible pain and indescribable tragedy, as Klal Yisrael mourns the loss of the kedoshim R’ Avraham Shmuel Goldberg...
In this week’s Parsha, we meet Avraham Avinu (A”A) as he is recuperating from his bris milah. In the heat of the day, as he sits at the entrance to his tent, he lifts his eyes, and lo and behold, he sees 3 men (angels...
In this week’s Parsha, the Torah tells us (Bereishis 17:23,26) that Avraham performed the mitzvah of milah בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה - in the middle of that very day. What is the significance of Avraham performing bris milah in the middle of the day? Rashi (Devarim 32:48)...