I don’t know why the avocado industry has not been able to create the National Avocado Dayyet. I know that September 14 th is the National Guacamole Day and November 14 th is NationalSpicy Guacamole Day, but there is still…
This week, we read Behar and Bechukotai, the last two portions in the book of Vayikra. The second portion Bechukotai rests its fame on the תוכחה - the Tochacha. (No English word adequately captures the meaning of Tochacha, but its…
West Texas Intermediate sounds like a school for sixth to eight graders in a county where people wear cowboy boots to their wedding, their work, and their wake, but it actually describes a kind of oil. Even slightly more confusing…
This week’s portion contains the mitzvah “to count the omer,” one which, at this time of the year, we are in the midst of fulfilling. Starting from the second day of Passover, we make a blessing every night for seven…
This week, because of the way that the calendar works, we read a double portion, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim (last year, for example, they came out on separate weeks). The third verse in Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:3) tells us: (ג) אִישׁ…
“Mommy,” calls my eight year old as he heads down the stairs, “What’s for dinner?” Evidently, a few seconds of foreknowledge makes all the difference when it comes to the dinner menu. “Lasagna, salad, and fresh fruit,” calls back my…
This coming Shabbat, two portions – Tazriah and Metzorah - will be read in Shul. The main topic of these two portions is the מצורע - “metzorah,” one who is stricken with the malady -צרעת “tzaraat” (or tzaraas). The usual…
Owning an apartment building has its challenges. Tenants don’t pay their rent and local governments make it almost impossible to evict them. Plumbing starts getting old and leaks break out everywhere. People trash their apartments causing costly repairs, or leave…
Due to the Pre-Pesach busyness, I’m sending out a repeat email this week. And while it was written long ago (2015 I believe?) and only edited slightly, the message still rings true and clear, so I hope you enjoy! Have…