EDUCATIONAL RESONANCE
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Mishpatim/Shekalim 5786 Mevorchim Chodesh Adar 26 Shevat 5786/February 13, 2026 EDUCATIONAL RESONANCE This week I attended our fourth-grade twins’ siyum on Mishnayos Yoma in their yeshiva, the Yeshiva of Spring Valley. Most of maseches Yoma is dedicated to describing the special avodah performed by the Kohain Gadol […]
THE GREAT EAGLE
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Yisro 5786 19 Shevat 5786/February 6, 2026 THE GREAT EAGLE In 1782 The American Bald Eagle was adopted as the US national emblem, symbolizing strength, freedom and independence. It was chosen because of its long life, majestic appearance, and great strength. The Jewish people have our own […]
PAYING FORWARD
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Beshalach/ Shabbas Shirah 5786 12 Shevat 5786/January 30, 2026 PAYING FORWARD One of the highlights of my winter visits to Eretz Yisroel the last four years was spending time with my rebbe, Rabbi Berel Wein, and to be able to hear him speak. During my visits, on […]
IN ITS TIME
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Bo 5786 5 Shevat 5786/January 23, 2026 IN ITS TIME During the past four years, my wife and I have had at least one child learning in yeshiva/seminary in Yerushalayim. I had the good fortune to visit and spend a few days in Eretz Yisroel each […]
Vaera 5786
The Viznitz cemetery in Monsey has become crowded and busy in recent years. Throngs of people come primarily to daven at the kever of the holy Ribnitzer Rebbe, who lived in the Monsey area, on Old Nyack Turnpike, during his last years.But there are many other great personalities buried there as well. If one continues […]
REAL TRUTH
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Shemos 5786 20 Teves 5786/January 9, 2026 REAL TRUTH Before Chanukah a few weeks ago, my younger children were listening to a kid’s story about Chanukah. The storyteller shared the story behind the custom to play dreidel. When Torah study had been outlawed by the Syrian-Greek […]
BEYOND BARRIERS
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayechi 5786 13 Teves 5786/January 2, 2026 BEYOND BARRIERS I was taught the stories of the Torah and of our greatest leaders when I was young and always felt the stories were fascinating and intriguing. But as I have gotten older, I increasingly wonder how it’s […]
IGNITED FOREVER
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayigash 5786 6 Teves 5786/December 26, 2025 IGNITED FOREVER In 1833, Lord Alfred Tennyson lost his closest friend Arthur Henry Hallam when the 22-year-old Hallam died suddenly. Hallam’s death shattered Tennyson’s world. In a famous poem entitled, In Memoriam A. H. H., Tennyson wrote: “I hold it true, […]
TRUE BLISS
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Miketz 5786 Shabbos Chanukah – Rosh Chodesh Teves 29 Kislev 5786/December 19, 2025 TRUE BLISS To be honest I never heard of Charlie Kirk until he was tragically murdered. But I have now learned that he was a staunch defender of moral values and of Israel. […]
HISTORICAL ACCURACY
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayeshev 5786 22 Kislev 5786/December 11, 2025 HISTORICAL ACCURACY Years ago, I read about a student who told his history teacher that he was jealous of George Washington. The teacher asked him if he was jealous of all George Washington had accomplished as an enduring leader, […]