Once the school year is over, I’m able to pray more frequently at the “Shteeble”, a small, warm synagogue on New Scotland Ave in the heart of the local Albany Jewish community. Very often, in addition to the local regulars … Read the rest
There are many metaphors for Torah, one of them is that of a sale or a business transaction. The Talmud comments that a sage is one who acquired wisdom – and the word acquired used is the same as for … Read the rest
I spent the spring of 1991 studying in Israel, at large Chabad yeshiva in out-of-the-way Kiryat Gat in Israel’s south. While planning this trip, I wrote to the Rebbe, asked his blessing. Back then, we’d first write out a long … Read the rest
This very unique presidential primary season of 2016 made many of us pay more attention. Incidentally, we learned more about the very complicated formulas of primary math. If you thought electoral college was complicated, this is many times more so, … Read the rest
For “Moshiach Seudah” at the very end of Pesach 5776 / 2016, we went around the table asking everyone to share a Moshiach/redemption related message gleaned from a specific aspect of a certain game or sport. Here’s what people shared:… Read the rest
The Haftorah for the 8th day of Pesach speaks of “the spirit of G-d will rest upon him (Moshiach), a spirit of wisdom, a spirit of understanding…” and other attributes bestowed upon Moshiach.
Everyone’s curious about the future. Maybe that’s what brought out so many students and guests to Parkfest last week, JK. Kidding aside, even with all that science has so much figured out these days, it’s still very difficult to predict … Read the rest
The 7th Day of Passover commemorates the Splitting of the Sea during the Exodus, therefore the Torah Reading has the Song of the Sea. Interestingly, the paragraph “Vayosha” (about our salvation at sea) and the “Oz Yashir” song at the … Read the rest
