Parshas Vaeira 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vaera 27 Teves 5783/January 20, 2023 Mevorchim Chodesh Shevat AT HOME On the morning of the fast of Asarah b’Teves a few weeks ago, I wanted to speak to my ninth-grade class about the reason and significance of the fast. I began by asking them “so, […]
Parshas Shemos 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Shemos 20 Teves 5783/January 13, 2023 ABAYEI AND RAVA One of the many virtues of being a rebbe in Heichal HaTorah, is the yeshiva’s Rebbe’s room. I pick up many great Torah thoughts, perspectives and stories from my far more esteemed colleagues. One morning […]
Parshas Vayechi 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayechi 13 Teves 5783/January 6, 2023 SPECIAL DELIVERY I have a nose, but I’d like to think I’m not too nosey. I have ears, but I don’t think I’m eerie. One thing is for certain. Although I have hands, I am definitely not handy. So, when […]
Parshas Vayigash 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayigash 6 Teves 5783/December 30, 2022 HOLD OR FOLD Rabbi Shlomo Carelbach a’h related that when he was still living in his parent’s home, he had a nephew who stayed in his parent’s home on Chanukah. The night after Chanukah ended, they told his nephew that […]
Parshas Mikeitz Shabbos Chanuka 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Miketz – Shabbos Chanukah Erev Rosh Chodesh Teves 29 Kislev 5783/December 23, 2022 GLORY OF A STORY In the introduction to his book, The Gates of the Forest, Elie Wiesel wrote that “G-d created the world because He loves stories.” The Jewish world gives a great […]
Parshas Vayeishev 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayeshev Mevorchim Chodesh Teves 22 Kislev 5783/December 16, 2022 WHO KNOWS? At the beginning of Shmoneh Esrei we praise Hashem, as “gomel chasadim tovim – grants good kindness.” It seems like strange vernacular. Is there kindness that isn’t good? Mr. Yossi Grunwald, a friend of my father, […]
Parshas Vayishlach 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayishlach 15 Kislev 5783/December 9, 2022 LIGHT OF HOLY LIFE I have had the zechus to be a rebbe and guidance counselor in a few wonderful yeshivos during my career in chinuch. One of my talmidim, Yossi Glanz, was a student in my shiur […]
Parshas Vayeitzei 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Vayetzei 8 Kislev 5783/December 2, 2022 PICKLE PEOPLE In celebration of her Bas Mitzvah last week, my daughter Chayala and I went on a father-daughter outing. No, we didn’t go to Eretz Yisroel, LA or Miami. Far more exciting than that, we went to visit the […]
Parshas Toldos 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Toldos 1 Kislev 5783/November 25, 2022 Rosh Chodesh Kislev OH SNOW It’s fascinating how something can be so exciting for one person and so anxiety-provoking and upsetting to another person. During the winter last year, I had the good fortune to spend a week in Eretz Yisroel […]
Parshas Chayei Sara 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Chayei Sarah 24 MarCheshvan 5783/November 18, 2022 Mevorchim Chodesh Kislev BACK ISSUES There is something special about sitting on the lap of a grandparent. It’s even more special when that grandparent begins to rub or scratch your back. I have nostalgic memories sitting on my Bubby’s […]