Explorations

Funeral of Tamara Davidovich

First hesped from Rabbi Sholom Galperin. Second hesped from Raphael Davidovich

Moving on after Tisha B’Av

Some Halacha and life insights into a post Tisha B’Av mindset, especially when Tisha B’Av falls out on a Thursday.

Kina 11: government coercion of mitzvah observance

An analysis of government power in Torah matters

Intro to Kina 10: the power of the Cohen, the Rabbi, and the ordinary Jew

Why do we have a Kina about the watches of the Cohanim? What does the first Mishna in Shas tell us about how to live as Jews every day?

Kina 7: The realness of the Torah

Exploring the contrasts in Kina 7, and what it says about what is expected of us on Tisha B’Av, and year-round as Jews.

Introduction to Kinos 5786

The real meaning of Golus

A wide lens view of the history of Jews in America

A quick helpful and fun guide to the history of Jews in America from the 1640’s till today.

Message to the Community

This is the message I sent to my community in response to the tragedy in the Holy Land this past week.

Elokai, Neshama

Exploring the words "Tehora Hee" in the brocha thanking Hashem for our neshama.

Exploring Bikkurim- We must start at the very beginning

Exploring the speech a Jew gives when he brings the first fruits in the Temple. Connected to Pesach Seder

Ki Seitzei and Pickup Sticks

Exploring the haphazard nature of this week's Mitzvos

Asher Yatzar Part 3 - Closing and opening

More on Asher Yatzar: Exploring the dangers of opening a closed door, or closing an open door.

Asher Yatzar: It is revealed and known

Exploring why we say that our body's functions are "revealed and known before Your Throne of Glory".

Judgment and Enforcement

Exploring the importance of a system that enforces the right thing

Ask the Rabbi - Hot topics

We explored several topics - from issues of tension and controversy in our community, to unzoned shuls, to Jewish Schools that don't teach secular studies, to Moshe hitti

Chukas: The advantage of now

Exploring the nature of the inconvenience that Edom would not let the Jews cut through their territory to enter the Promised Land. Where was Edom 39 years earlier?

Asher Yatzar

Exploring the Bracha a Jew makes after using the bathroom

Korach and the difference between Cohanim and Leviim

Exploring Korach's beef with Aharon - and how it influences the way we approach the Torah

Models of Spiritual Leadership - a thought by The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Exploring the Maamor: V'Ata Tetzaveh - An essay on Moshe and Mordechai's leadership

The Rebels' Wives

Exploring the sup-plot of the wives of Korach, Dasan and Aviram, and On ben Peles