by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2022 | Ki Tavo, Kindness and Compassion, Prayer
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz There is a Hasidic story about a king who became angry and banished his son, the prince. After five years, the king regretted his actions and sent a messenger to return his son to the palace. “But I do not want him to be angry at me when he...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Holiness, Israel, Ki Tavo, Temple
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz One year, I was doing my reserve duty in the Negev on a small base. On Friday night, I was guarding the front gate. To pass the time, I began learning about Bikkurim, the first fruits which are brought as an offering in the Temple. The sages...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2022 | Parenting, Shoftim
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz When my precious young son was ten years old, he came to me in tears. He had just learned the section of the Torah about the rebellious son (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). “I love you Abba (father),” he said. “But sometimes I am disrespectful to you....
by Eliyahu Berkowitz | f 6, 2022 | Holiness, Ki Teitzei, Marriage and Relationships, Modesty
It was love at first sight; lightning that hit my heart and bowled me over. But like two star-crossed lovers, fate seemed determined to keep us apart. Normally, I would take my new love interests to meet my parents. But that was not possible. So I took her to meet my...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 5, 2022 | Community, Ki Teitzei, Kindness and Compassion
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Joseph and I did not get along and it caused my boss no end of grief. One day, the company hired a new Human Resources manager, a former hippie named Sarah. She smelled of patchouli and her beaded necklaces clashed with her requisite business...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2022 | Ki Teitzei, Kindness and Compassion
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz My friend, Bob, is a health fanatic, running after every new trend that comes out. He has gone from vegan to an all-meat diet. His medicine cabinet is full to overflowing with pills and additives. Every time he finds something new, he tries...
