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...
As they predicted two to three feet of snow and crippling winds, many of us find ourselves home for the day, with offices, schools, banks, doctor’s offices and more - all closed! I just took this cake out of the oven. What is better than warm...
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;...
This week, as we once again open the book of Shemos, we learn about the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt and their subsequent miraculous redemption. The Sages teach that it was in the merit of our righteous foremothers of that generation that the nation...
Redemption - In this week’s Parsha, Parshas Vayechi, Yaakov dies at the age of 147 years, and Yosef dies at the age of 110 years. With their demise, and the passage of years, the Jews are soon to meet the tortures of the Egyptian enslavement. What...
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...
Chanukah 5775. Blessed is Hashem, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה, Who has kept us alive and sustained us until this very day. Chanukah is the YomTov that reminds us that our light - the light of Torah and mitzvos - can brighten much darkness. What...
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...