Sukkot II 5785
As we progress through the Jewish calendar year, we enter different time zones. As we reach each new time zone, our Sages have given us a tool to take note of the fact that Hashem has granted us the gift…
Biting the Hand that Feeds You<br>Parshas Re’eh
Let’s play a game. I’m going to introduce you to four people, and you have to figure out which one doesn’t fit in the group. Up first is Yousef Muhammad Al-Zahari, a 53 year old man from Akhmin, a small…
Do You Want to See G-d in This World?<br>Parshas Bechukosai
Last Friday, I had a visitor. There was a knock on the door about 11:30AM, and when I answered the door, I saw a tall, thin, older gentlemen of Israeli Chassidic persuasion, with a kindly face, and a slightly haggard…
The War that Rocked the World in 1985
Parshat Metzora/Pesach 5784
In 1981, Project Kansas was hatched secretly in the boardroom of one of the most successful companies in the US. It was the desperate gambit of a company that was rapidly losing its footing, and it would set off a chain of…
Parshas Vayigash 5784
Vayigash תשפ"ד After Yosef revealed himself to his brothers, they hurried home to tell their father Yaakov that Yosef was still alive and that he was the ruler of Egypt, second in command only to Pharaoh. Yaakov’s response was to…
Tales from the Stoveside
Parshas Mikeitz and Chanukah
Last night we had a Chanukah party at my house. I was busy preparing for an important lecture, so I was hoping to stay out of the kitchen entirely. But just when I thought I was free and clear, I…
Parshat Noach 5784
Parashat Noach תשפ"ד When introducing us to Noach, the Torah carefully tells us (Genesis 6:9) that Noach was a צדיק - a completely righteous person. ט) אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת נֹחַ נֹחַ אִישׁ צַדִּיק תָּמִים הָיָה בְּדֹרֹתָיו 9) These are the offspring…
The Three Weeks 5783
The Three Weeks תשפג This coming Thursday, July 6, we will observe the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, and, in three weeks, on Thursday, July 27th, we will observe “Tisha b’Av” the fast of the 9th day of Av.…
Lose 99% of Your Weight Without Changing Your Diet!!!
Parshas Chukus – Balak
The science in this essay is mostly based on the information found in the book “We have no idea: a guide to the unknown universe,” by Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson. The book is high on my recommended reading list in…
Can I give you 2,000 of these?
Parshat Tazria-Metzora 5783
I like rice. Rice is great if you're hungry and want 2000 of something. – Mitch Hedberg Rice is actually much more than a good meal when you want 2,000 of something; in many countries around the world, rice equals…