by Rabbi Yaakov Wolff | f 6, 2023 | Shabbat
For the past 35 years, a pink bunny wearing flip-flops and sunglasses and beating a drum has been a staple in American advertising. The Energizer Bunny has endless energy and has become a symbol of perseverance, longevity and determination. The Energizer Bunny never...
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 Mindy Rubenstein | f 17, 2023 | Elul, Repentance
My great-grandparents, Moshe and Kayla (Morris and Katy) Tanenbaum, for whom I am named, came from religious families in Ukraine and tried to preserve their Jewish life even in the U.S. Katy’s father, Fishel Rubin, was a rabbi and sent his daughter far away from the...
by Mindy Rubenstein | f 17, 2023 | Elul, Repentance
On the Jewish calendar, the Hebrew month of Elul begins tonight. This will be my second month of Elul in Israel. My family and I made Aliyah last September, two weeks before the High Holiday season. I was so excited and overwhelmed by the newness of our...
