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 MoreRabbi Becher brings a thought from Menachem Mendl of Vorka regarding how much thought one should put into "making a living" versus the more intense thought required for actually "living". View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreHarry Rothenberg warns: Don't sleep on your birthday! View this video directly on VIMEO
Read MoreThe Torah often extols the virtues of many people, but rarely does it speak about "intelligence". View this video directly on Vimeo.
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The State of Israel finds itself under attack militarily and ideologically. Iran and the terrorists it sponsors, Syria, the PA, Fatah and Isis all seek to destroy Israel utterly. We are also attacked by others ideologically. The United Nations, the European Union and various governments, BDS groups and others seek to deny our connection to the land of Israel and seek to disenfranchise the Jewish people. It is therefore, worthwhile ...
Read MoreRabbi Becher explains that the leaders of the Jewish People are not determined by "Great Families" such as the family of Moses, but instead any one person who makes himself "great" can become a leader. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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There has been a lot of talk recently about Jews wearing kippot in France, which many believe puts them in danger. I do not want to discuss what is appropriate policy, rather I would like to present an excerpt from my book, Gateway to Judaism, regarding men’s head coverings. The head covering worn by Jewish men is known as a kippah (literally, dome) or yarmulka. The word yarmulke, is made up ...
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