Manna From Heaven
Around three million Jews are in the desert. It is just over a week after their exodus from Egypt. And they are hungry. Very hungry. The way they satiate themselves becomes a paradigm for future generations of Jews.
Saying “Sorry” While You Still Can
In this week’s parsha, “Va’eira”, G-d hardens the heart of Pharaoh, and Pharaoh refuses to let the Jews leave. Is G-d playing “fair” with Pharaoh?
Letter to Ami Magazine – “Bird Brains”
The letter below appeared in issue #549 of Ami Magazine: To the Editor: In issue #548, Rabbi Avi Shafran introduces readers to the group called “Birds Aren’t Real”, which he admits is a satire of “conspiracy theory” groups. He then goes on to lump all “conspiracy theory” groups with BAR – except for “real” sinister…
Letter to Ami Magazine – “Bird Brains”
To the Editor: In issue #548, Rabbi Avi Shafran introduces readers to the group called “Birds Aren’t Real”, which he admits is a satire of “conspiracy theory” groups. He then goes on to lump all “conspiracy theory” groups with BAR – except for “real” sinister plots, such as “Watergate”. This is disingenuous. While many of…
Sorry Yoda, There is “Try”
The fictional character Yoda is known for the quote “Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.” In the beginning of this week’s parsha we see examples of two people who disagreed.
From the Nadir to the Zenith
In this week’s parsha, Vayechi, Jacob gives final blessings to each of his children. But some of the blessings seem a bit harsh.
Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell
In this week’s parsha, Vayigash, Jacob reunites with his son Joseph after 22 years. But one important question just doesn’t seem to be asked…
A Never-Ending Struggle
When I was in university, the assistant chaplain at the Hillel House always referred to Jews as “G-d Wrestlers”! The source for this odd name is in this week’s Torah reading, Vayishlach.
Alta Fixsler Response (to AMI Magazine)
Dear Ami Magazine Thank you for your insightful article (Issue #540) about Pinny Kellner and his holy campaign to save the life of Alta Fixsler. The situation of this poor girl saddened me to no extent, as I also had a son in a similar situation. However, as I was living in Israel, the hospital…
A Good Life?
What is living the “Good Life”? Is it lounging on the beach as you stir your ice-cold strawberry daiquiri with a mini umbrella? Is it touring the world while staying in every first-class hotel and eating in every first-class restaurant? Or is it living the life that Sarah the Matriarch lived?