Last week, I introduced the idea that we can learn many life skills from the popular game of chess. So, let us continue. When playing the game of chess properly, one doesn’t just ‘make a move.’ One must...
Recently, together with my Rebbetzin Shoshy, I celebrated the bar mitzvah of one of my new grandchildren, Isaac Schwartz, son of my wonderful new children Moshe and Devorah Schwartz. (I call them my ‘new children’ because they are...
The tfilah of Elokai n’tzor continues, “V’limkal’lai nafshi sidom – May my soul be quiet to those that curse me.” Now, cursing is a rather radical action. The Siddur Meforesh includes that it means, “To those that insult me.”...
In our Maariv prayers, we thank Hashem for being, “Machalif es hazmanim – Changing the seasons.” Since it adds spice and variety to life, we acknowledge our appreciation for this on a daily basis. And although every season...
How is it possible for a mortal human being to cling to Hashem? The Rambam answers that by cleaving to talmidei chochomim, you are fulfilling this posuk. Why is that? Because a talmid chochom has Torah in him....
As we make final preparations for Shavuos, including a fervent desire to come away from the Yom Tov with a renewed commitment to the “learning” of Torah, we need to understand a unique aspect about Torah study. In the...
At the conclusion of the Shemone Esrei, we take three steps backwards. In explanation, the Mishnah Berurah [223:2] sends us to the Beis Yoseif, who says many reasons for this custom. Looking there, one will find a reason...
Elokai n’tzor concludes as we back up three steps and say a final petition. “Oseh shalom bimromav, Hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisroel, v’imru amein – He who makes peace in heaven, may He make peace amongst us...
The tfilah Elokai N’ztor continues with, “V’chol hachosh’vim alai ra’ah, meheirah hafeir atzasam v’kalkeil machashavtam – All those who plot evil against me, may their plans be quickly foiled and their machinations be ruined.” The Avudraham beautifully explains that this...
Here, on the eastern coast, spring finally seems to be here. It looks nearly certain that we won’t see snowplows until next year and, as the plants start to bloom and the temperatures rise, Klal Yisroel collectively takes out...