by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 31, 2023 | Nitzavim, Prayer, Rosh Hashana
A fishing boat was once caught in a terrible storm. Unable to withstand the heavy rains and tempestuous waves, the boat capsized. Everyone on board drowned with the exception of two men who had managed to hold onto some floating wood. Fortunately, these two survivors...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 28, 2023 | Ki Tavo, Shabbat
A few years ago, the concept of “Half Shabbat” became a hot topic in the Jewish world. This referred to Jewish Orthodox teenagers who were otherwise basically Sabbath observant but were texting each other on their smartphones in violation of the Sabbath. Dr. David...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 27, 2023 | Ki Tavo, Kindness and Compassion, Rosh Hashana
Every year on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) morning, Rabbi Yeshaya of Kerestier (Hungary, 1851 – 1925) would seclude himself in his study for about 10 minutes before the blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn). One year, one of his followers, who was curious to see how...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 20, 2023 | Ki Teitzei
Soon after the Communists gained power in Russia, they began placing restrictions on Jewish practices. Ultimately, all Jewish educational institutions were forced to shutter, while those spotted in synagogues risked being fired from their jobs. As the decades passed,...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 17, 2023 | Ki Teitzei
John Wayne was one of Hollywood’s most famous and most successful actors, appearing in more than 175 movies. He was nominated three times for the Academy Award, winning the Oscar for Best Actor in 1969 for True Grit. And his powerful performance in The Searchers has...
