PARSHAS VAYISHLACH 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Vayishlach 13 Kislev 5778/December 1, 2017 During the last few weeks, I’ve received a plethora of would-be halachos that would apply if secular holidays and their symbols were actual mitzvos. There was the discussion of the halachos of the Halloween pumpkin and the laws of hiddur, […]
PARSHAS VAYETZEI 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Vayetzei 6 Kislev 5778/November 24, 2017 For a period during my youth my parents arranged for my sister Ahuva, and myself to take ice-skating lessons. What I remember the most is the instructor telling us to always lean forward while skating, so if (when) we fall, […]
PARSHAS TOLDOS 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Toldos 28 Cheshvan 5778/November 17, 2017 Mevorchim Chodesh Kislev It was undoubtedly one of the most exciting days of my pre-married life. In 2000, I was one of the older bochurim in the Bais Medrash program of Yeshiva Shaarei Torah. At one point during that […]
PARSHAS CHAYEI SARA 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Chayei Sarah 21 Cheshvan 5778/November 10, 2017 Someone once told me that when people ask each other how they are doing, they mean besides the fact that they’re tired. It’s as if they are saying, “I know you’re tired; that goes without saying. But besides that, […]
PARSHAS VAYERA 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Vayera 14 Cheshvan 5778/November 3, 2017 A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to accompany the ninth and twelfth graders of our yeshiva, Heichal HaTorah, on the first Shabbatone of the year. The Shabbatone was held at a resort deep in the Catskill Mountains, […]
PARSHAS LECH LECHA 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh Parshas Lech Lecha 7 Cheshvan 5778/October 27, 2017 This week, Mesivta Ohr Naftali of New Windsor, NY, where I am privileged to serve as General Studies Principal each afternoon, celebrated a special milestone. They have just completed the construction of a magnificent new Bais Medrash, and it […]
PARSHAS NOACH 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh parshas Noach/ Rosh Chodesh MarCheshvan 30 Tishrei 5778/October 20, 2017 What an incredible few weeks it’s been! The tefilllos, special mitzvos, extra family time, trips, and wonderful meals are all part of what makes the Yom Tov season such an incredible experience. But, all good things must come […]
SIMCHAS TORAH 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Hoshanah Rabbah/Erev Shemini Atzeres 21 Tishrei 5778/ October 11, 2017 A friend related that this year, aside from his other “kabbalos” (spiritual New Year’s resolutions), he has also accepted upon himself not to get angry or frustrated if/when he “messes up”. It’s actually a brilliant and integral tactical move. We are […]
SUCCOS 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Succos 14 Tishrei 5778/ October 4, 2017 Shortly before we left to camp this past June, our landscaper did some cleanup work around our yard. That included clearing pieces of wood that had been stacked on the side of our house for quite some time, left there by a lazy […]
SHABBOS SHUVA/YOM KIPPUR 5778
“RABBI’S MUSINGS (& AMUSINGS)” Erev Shabbos Kodesh -Yom Kippur 9 Tishrei 5778/ September In our home, we take the custom of eating challah with honey during this time of year, very seriously. If having honey is symbolic to have a sweet, new year, we aren’t taking any chances of abrogating that symbolism. In our family, […]