In a perfect environment, a dreidel could be stand on its tip without toppling. Rabbi Becher explains that in our world, the Dreidel must be spun from above in order for it to stand. This is a allegory for a Jew: As long as he continues to spin, he can continue to stand up. View…
Rabbi Becher explains that the Gemora describes a human as a “seeker”. John Glenn, who died during the past week, represents the idea of a human being who is a seeker – who goes “beyond” and is not content on where we are. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Chanukah starts in about a week and a half, and without doubt it is one of the most popular of our festivals amongst Jews in general, even if not observant. A lot of people identify with Chanuka, and there is a lot of misunderstanding of its significance. Chanuka marks a clash of cultures – Judaism…
Esau begs his father Isaac for a consolation blessing after Yaakov gets the main prize. Isaac relents and gives Esau a blessing that still reverberates today. Harry Rothenberg tells us what that blessing is. View this video directly on VIMEO
Terrorists have started nearly 200 deadly fires in Israel over the past few days, destroying hundreds of homes and endangering thousands of lives. Rabbi Mordechai Becher discusses taking these tragic events and turning them around for the good. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Jacob and Esau One of the most fundamental principles of Judaism is the belief in human free will. No one is born righteous, and no is born evil; it is the person’s choice to be good or evil. Morality, reward and punishment, and indeed the entire purpose of creation, are all predicated upon free will. …
Eliezer devises a test to help him find a bride for his master Abraham’s son, Isaac. But the test involves more than meets the eye. Harry Rothenberg explains. View this video directly on VIMEO
Washington Heights, where I teach regularly, is an extremely windy location. My bobby pin is greatly challenged holding my yarmulke onto my, fairly short, hair. Holding my yarmulke on, picking it up and chasing it down Amsterdam Avenue, has made me think about it a little more. The word yarmulke, is made up of two…
Abraham takes his son Isaac on a historic journey – planning to sacrifice him per G-d’s command. But before he leaves, does he tell his wife Sarah what is he planning to do to her only son? Using pictures from his own vacation with his son, Harry Rothenerg explains. View this video directly on VIMEO…
We have exceptionally good weather recently for this time of year, a phenomenon that some attribute to climate change and global warming. What is the Jewish attitude towards the global warming? I think that the question of climate change is an empirical question and therefore Judaism doesn’t really have an opinion about it. In addition, I…