Author Archives: shlomo

Siddur Nehalel BeShabbat – Another Look

I’ve been using the new Siddur Nehalel BeShabbat for a number of weeks now and really enjoying it. I’m sure you’re shocked. After all, just because I wrote a positive review about the siddur, doesn’t mean that I have to … Continue reading →

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Parashat Shemini – Puzzle

Parashat Shemini 5773 The outline of this week’s parasha bothers me. Here’s the basic structure of the parasha following the breaks in the Torah text: Vayikra 9:1 – 10:7 For the first time Aharon and his sons perform the priestly … Continue reading →

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Blessing the Trees

Birkat Ha-ilanot 5773 Today is Rosh Chodesh Nisan. Rosh Chodesh Nisan has a special place in Jewish history. We read at the end of Shemot (Judaica Press translation): Shemot 40:17 It came to pass in the first month, in the … Continue reading →

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Spring

Ki Tisa 5773 Spring is definitely in the air. It’s a good thing, too. Pesach is now less than a month away and Pesach must be celebrated in the spring. We read in this week’s parasha (Judaica Press translation slightly … Continue reading →

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To Turn In a Thief

To Turn In a Thief Two prominent rabbis in Israel have recently made statements about tax evasion and turning in those who cheat. Here’s the article from Arutz Sheva: Rabbi of HaShimshoni Community in Modi’in Haim Navon is of the … Continue reading →

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Terumah – Puzzle

Parashat Terumah 5773 Last week’s parasha recounted the ascent of Moshe to Har Sinai. This week begins the commandments for building the Mishkan and its service. God commands those people who are willing and able to participate in building the … Continue reading →

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Siddur Nehalel beShabbat – Book Review

I received Siddur Nehalel beShabbat in the mail last Wednesday. A quick glance through the siddur told me that this is something special. I have to admit, I’m not a fan of the Nevarech Bencher. I’ve always found it difficult … Continue reading →

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Mishpatim – Puzzle

Parashat Mishpatim 5773 Since this week’s parasha recounts the ascent of Moshe to Har Sinai, here’s a word search puzzle on that theme. There are seven hidden words here. Each word is the name of a person or group who … Continue reading →

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Freiing Out – Book Review

Rabbi Binyamin Tanny is not a polished author. He says so himself. And he doesn’t apologize for it. His writing is sharp and to the point. No one will ever doubt where he stands on the issues. His new book … Continue reading →

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Learning How to Lead

Parashat Yitro 5773 I’m trying to understand what Moshe said to God just before the giving of the Torah. Look at these verses (Judaica Press translation): Shemot 19 21 The Lord said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people lest … Continue reading →

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