Entries for May 2014

Naso: Why Most Jews Consider “His Holiness” Holy

Naso: Why Most Jews Consider “His Holiness” Holy
[This D’var Torah is dedicated to the blessed and holy memory of my friend and rabbi, Rabbi Haim Asa, z”l, of Bulgaria, Israel, Argentina, and Fullerton, California, who escaped the Shoah, fought in Israel’s War of Independence, was]... Continue Reading »
May 30
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

Dvar Torah: Bamidbar: Keeping Our Status Symbols

When I was a boy, my uncle summarized his philosophy for getting along in life:  “One hand washes the other,” he taught me. He wasn’t referring to personal hygiene, but giving and getting help, doing and receiving favors, etc. ... Continue Reading »
May 23
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Focus on Prayers, Jewish Rituals

Bechukotai: My Covenant with Fannie of Berdichev, z”l

Bechukotai: My Covenant with Fannie of Berdichev, z”l
... and I will remember My covenant [with] Jacob, and also My covenant [with] Isaac, and also My covenant [with] Abraham I will remember. And I will remember the Land,  (Leviticus 26:42) Do you know the names of your great-grandparents?  ... Continue Reading »
May 16
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish History

Behar: The "Torah" -- not "Taco" -- Liberty Bell

Behar: The "Torah" -- not "Taco" -- Liberty Bell
One of the most popular parks in Jerusalem is Gan Pa’amon HaDror – Liberty Bell Park.  It's so named because of its replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.  Indeed, Liberty Bell Park was inaugurated in 1976 to hono... Continue Reading »
May 09
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Israel

Mi’yom l’yom: A Holocaust-Independence Day “Connection”?

Mi’yom l’yom: A Holocaust-Independence Day “Connection”?
As the current eight-day interval between Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom Ha’azmaut (Israeli Independence Day) began earlier this week, I found myself pondering the validity and, if valid, the meaning of the following “sim... Continue Reading »
May 02
Posted in: Torah Commentary, Jewish Holidays , Israel

He who guards his mouth preserves his life
Proverbs 13:3