Shimon and Rueven were close friends despite their drastically different levels of Jewish observance (Shimon was the Rabbi of the local Chabad shul, and Rueven was the rabbi of the local reform synagogue). One Friday morning Reuven called Shimon frantically, “Shimon, I need a favor. Discount tickets just became available to Aspen, Colorado for the opening of ski season, the […]

“….Seek G-od when he is found, Call him when he is near……” (Yeshayahu 55:6) ״….דרשו ה׳ בהמצאו קראהו בהיותו קרוב….״ – ישעיהו נה׳, ו׳ This verse refers to the ten days from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur. —Talmud, Rosh Hashana 18a The two phrases in this verse represent two areas and modes of teshuva that are evoked by the nearness […]

“…..But Chana did not go up, for she said to her husband: “Until the child is weaned, then I shall bring him…..” (Shmuel I 1:22) ״….וחנה לא עלתה כי אמרה לאישה עד יגמלהנער והבאתיו….״ – שמואל א׳ א,כב Chana was one of seven women in the Tanach to whom G-d gave the power of prophecy. In the Haftorah of Rosh […]