Parshas Tetzaveh 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Tetzaveh/Zachor 10 Adar 5783/March 3, 2023 לזכר נשמת נטע יצחק בן אלכסנדר ז”ל VERY FRESH In my sixth-grade literature book there was a section explaining that words can have different meanings. To elucidate the concept, it contained the following joke: “Why did the baker get […]
Parshas Terumah 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Terumah 3 Adar 5783/February 24, 2023 לזכר נשמת נטע יצחק בן אלכסנדר ז”ל ROYAL RESTRAINT By now the world has moved on from the news of the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. But a few weeks ago, it was all everyone could talk about. […]
Parshas Mishpatim 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Mishpatim Shabbos Shekalim – Mevorchim Chodesh Adar 27 Shevat 5783/February 17, 2023 לזכר נשמת נטע יצחק בן אלכסנדר ז”ל PRECONCEIVED LOVE On one occasion, after my wife and I had gone out for breakfast together (an occasion that doesn’t happen enough), we went to one […]
Parshas Yisro 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Yisro 19 Shevat 5783/February 10, 2023 לזכר נשמת נטע יצחק בן אלכסנדר ז”ל YEARNING & LEARNING It was the morning of the first day of the camp season at Camp Dora Golding a number of summers ago. I was a division head and was davening […]
Parshas Beshalach 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Beshalach – Shabbos Shirah 12 Shevat 5783/February 3, 2023 FOREVER OURS In a commencement address to the Eagle Hill School Class of 2013, noted educator, Rick Lavoie, spoke about the importance of education. Towards the end of his lecture, he related the following: “I don’t […]
Parshas Bo 5783
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Bo 5 Shevat 5783/January 27, 2023 DIG DEEP I always think it’s ironic when a security guard in the airport asks me the purpose of my visit to Israel. It would be a valid question if I was visiting London or Paris. But does a Jew […]
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 […]