Harry Rothenberg has some bold predictions.... View this video directly on VIMEO
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Rabbi Becher's VLOG
Rabbi Mordechai Becher’s VLog – Disease Outbreaks – Parshat Vayakhel/Pekudei 5780
The COVID-19 Virus - otherwise known as the "Corona Virus" - might seem like something new. But Jews have faced medical disasters in the past, and there are many responses from great Rabbis. Rabbi Mordechai Becher gives some examples of proper responses according to Jewish law. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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Despite the coronavirus concerns and despite all the hardships that so many people are experiencing, we are still in the month of Adar, the month of joy. It may sound strange to speak of simcha, happiness, at this time, but it makes pragmatic and religious sense. This is especially true for those who are now homebound. Will you be a better spouse, parent, sibling, child, caregiver if you are happier? ...
Read MoreChoose your friends carefully. View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreFrom a goblet stored in the British Museum to a "lot" stored in Yale University to the famous "Purim Duck" stored in the Becher home, Rabbi Becher brings 5 artifacts that tell the Purim story. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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One of the most peculiar laws of Purim is the obligation to drink wine, and even become intoxicated. As the Talmud states, “A person is obligated to become inebriated on Purim, until he does not know the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai and cursed is Haman.’” Excessive drinking is frowned upon by Jewish law, yet here it appears that the law specifically advocates drinking. Clearly, a person may not become ...
Read MoreWhy do funny things make us happy? Rabbi Becher uses the Gemora and Groucho Marx to try to find the answer. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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I was recently in Amsterdam where I was scholar in residence for a community Shabbaton. It was a wonderful experience, but hectic and exhausting as well. I arrived at Schiphol Airport at 6.15am in order to allow time to daven shacharis (pray the morning service) at the airport. Thank G-d I was able to find a quiet space in an airport lounge, and although I am usually a little tense ...
Read MoreA little wine on Purim can set the mood and bring about camaraderie amongst fellow Jews. View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreWhy should your synagogue be beautiful? View this video directly on Vimeo
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