Eulogy for Mendy Gorin Z"L
10/29/2019 04:59:37 PM
Before I begin, I’d like to ask for forgiveness from Mendy, Menachem Mendel ben Elchanan Z”L. Our Sages teach that after a person passes away and enters the World of Truth, it is an opportune time to ask for mechillah for anything we have done wrong and caused harm to Mendy. Of course, if I would have anything to...Read more...
Who Signed Me Up?
09/27/2019 12:02:48 PM
How would you feel if I signed you up to something without you knowing? Nowadays, whenever I place an order online, even if I uncheck the box asking for my permission to send me emails of newsletters and new deals from the company, it seems like I’m added to their email database nonetheless. Isn’t it annoying...Read more...
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Read more... Crossfire
07/12/2019 11:09:56 AM
I had the honor of being invited to lead a Crossfire program for the older bunks at my kids’ summer camp.
Throughout the week the...Read more...
UN-ORTHODOX
06/21/2019 10:49:16 AM
A person once wrote a letter to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and used the term ‘Orthodox Judaism’.
In his response, the Rebbe wrote: “I must point out to you that splitting Judaism into ‘orthodox, conservative and reform’ is purely...Read more...
Do It Yourself
06/14/2019 02:34:37 PM
Long before there was IKEA and DIY construction, there was the Mishkan - Holy Tabernacle - in the desert, nearly three and a half thousand years ago.
The Mishkan was a mini-Temple, and was designed to be portable, so it can be dismantled at any time when the Jews would travel in the desert. When the Jews would...Read more...
A Child's First Word
06/07/2019 08:50:58 AM
What was the first word your child learned to say?
What is the first word you wanted your child to learn to say?
We take our children’s education very seriously. We recognize our responsibility to ensure that they are equipped to live successful lives. And we know that education is key to...Read more...
Timing Is Everything
05/31/2019 01:31:48 PM
They say, ‘Timing Is Everything.’
A song with that name was released in 2010. Here is one stanza:
When the stars line up
And you catch a break
People think you're luckyRead more...
The Employer's Boss
05/24/2019 03:16:50 PM
Aaron Feuerstein was known as “the Mentsch of Malden Mills.” Here’s why:
In 1906, Aaron’s father and grandfather built a company called Malden Mills. Malden Mills was one of the largest employers in the town of Lawrence Massachusetts and would continue to grow, eventually employing over...Read more...
Between Humans and Animals
05/17/2019 02:07:23 PM
A wise man once quipped:
Each morning we recite blessings, thanking G-d for what we have, who we are and who we are not. For example, we thank G-d that we are free and not slaves.
He asked, "Why don't we thank G-d that we are humans and not...Read more...
A Yom Haatzmaut Reflection
05/10/2019 11:17:46 AM
Today, Jews in Israel and the world over celebrate Yom Haatzmaut. On this day in 1948, we 
imed sovereignty over Israel, our holy land that was promised by G-d to our patriarchs and matriarchs thousands of years ago.
We witnessed open miracles of G-d as we fought to reclaim our land, just like when...Read more...
Restoring Faith In Ourselves
04/12/2019 09:21:05 AM
The visuals we surround ourselves with are very powerful. A lot of creative talent and money is spent on visual branding.
The same goes with our centers of worship and spiritual development. What we see influences how we feel and behave....Read more...
The Blessings Of Isolation
04/05/2019 12:40:59 PM
I had the good fortune to spend a few days in Israel last weekend, for the celebration of a bar-mitzvah. The host family arranged a chock-filled itinerary for all the guests who attended from all over the world. Each day was carefully planned with trips, activities and celebrations....Read more...
Holy Cleaning
03/22/2019 12:48:30 PM
Many people love to help plan the party. Everyone loves to attend the party. But how many people stay to help clean up after the party?
This week’s Torah portion Tzav teaches us about how to value holy service.
There were many daily tasks performed by the kohanim in the Temple. Lighting the menorah,...Read more...
Ain't No Chance
03/15/2019 02:59:51 PM
One of the biggest dangers in life is to believe that anything could happen by chance.
Saying that everything happens for a reason is not a new-age feel-good neo-spiritual made-up concept. Yes, based upon some people’s interpretation it might just appear to be. But in truth, it is the truth.
As...Read more...
An Ode To Cholent
03/01/2019 12:35:38 PM
Cholent means different things to different people.
But did you know, that cholent is the gatekeeper protecting the entire Jewish tradition?! I know, it sounds exaggerated, so let me explain:
For those...Read more...
When Will You Learn?
02/22/2019 10:19:09 AM
A few days ago I was teaching a weekly class, and somehow we got off topic and began discussing organ donation. A few students were surprised by my remarks. "What? Judaism allows organ donation? I always thought it wasn't allowed."
From experience, teaching Judaism's favorable view on...Read more...
We Are Not So Different, You & I
02/15/2019 11:15:38 AM
Does Judaism discriminate against people with disabilities?
Of course, the answer is no. The Torah repeatedly cautions about loving the stranger, supporting the orphan, respecting the deaf and protecting the blind.
But one law seems off.
This week’s Torah portion Tetzaveh introduces us to...Read more...
Remember When?
02/01/2019 12:43:33 PM
Why were the Jews enslaved and tortured for many generations to Pharaoh and the Egyptians?
A simple answer is that Pharaoh was a wicked and ruthless king of the superpower Egyptian nation of the time. Thus, since he could, he did. Perhaps he needed cheap labor; or was...Read more...
If Someone Asks For Help, Say No
01/25/2019 09:37:21 AM
What can we learn from the account between Moshe Rabbeinu and his father in law Yitro?
Yitro wakes up early one morning and sees Moshe sitting in his judicial chair, and there's a long line of people waiting to consult with the master of...Read more...
Reasonable Expectations
12/14/2018 02:04:31 PM
Whether or not you are open to seeing someone or something in a positive light makes all the difference.
I was recently counseling someone through a bitter dispute he was having with a client. Understandably, he had built up a very negative image of the client.
In one of our sessions, he brought...Read more...
Quiet Influence
12/07/2018 12:23:48 PM
Who are the biggest influencers in your life? How do you influence others?
The chanukah lights contain a profound answer to these questions.
Our rituals and customs each influence us in different ways. When we blow the shofar, or shake the lulav, or pray, or ear matza, or study Torah, or give...Read more...
Thanks For The Sting, Honey
11/30/2018 09:58:40 AM
What will you be thankful for this Chanukah?
In the famous chanukah prayer, "V'al hanissim", there are some versions which include something very odd:
"We thank G-d for the miracles, for the salvation, for the...Read more...
But I Have To...
11/23/2018 12:22:43 PM
Who is in control of your life – you or someone/something else?
Are you a Yaakov or a Yisrael?
This week’s Torah portion Vayishlach recounts when Yaakov’s name was changed to...Read more...
Before It's Too late...
11/16/2018 12:33:39 PM
It's difficult to fully appreciate something whilst we have it. It's much easier to look back and appreciate it. But by that time, it's too late.
This is why many people feel that their lives are filled with missed and undervalued opportunities.
When our children grow up we regret not fully enjoying them in their youth.
Read more...
Reflections On Tragedy And Hope
11/09/2018 12:12:10 PM
Some quickly written thoughts that are swirling in my mind as we near the end of this tumultuous week:
Another shooting. 12 dead in California.
A...Read more...
Trust One Who Failed A Driving Test
11/09/2018 12:10:05 PM
When I made a silly mistake on my first drivers test, I began to sweat and become very anxious that I would fail. My examiner was a sweetheart and allowed me to pass.
At the time I considered myself very lucky. Ever since, I've been proud of my badge of honor having passed on my first try.
However,...Read more...
You're Not Going To Heaven!
10/19/2018 12:24:31 PM
On a flight this week I was surrounded by eighteen tall, broad and handsome soldiers of the US Coast Guard.
When I got seated, I asked the one next to me where they were going. “To New York. “Why?” “On a...Read more...
The Package Called 'Me'
10/12/2018 11:12:47 AM
Have you ever wanted to press a reset button on your life?
You may be 20, 30, 50 years old, and thought to yourself, "this is not how I imagined my life would turn out."
If you had...Read more...
There's No Friday On The Jewish Calendar
10/05/2018 02:16:09 PM
Semper 
Paratus.
It's the official motto of many organizations, including the US Coast Guard.
It's a Latin phrase, meaning 'Always Ready.'
It came to mind after hearing a comment made to me the other day.
At the conclusion of the Jewish month of Tishrei, the month filled with...Read more...