Rabbi's Blog

In the aftermath of the tragic and horrific attacks in Paris last weekend, we are left numb, saddened and perhaps terrified. Sadly, this is exactly what the terrorists wish to accomplish.

Thousands of miles away, in the United States, a great debate has ensued about refugees.  With the potential for terrorists to infiltrate the ranks of refugees – who deserve our compassion – we are uncertain about the risk of a terrorist arriving on American shores disguised as a refugee. Should we ban all refugees from that part of the world? Is collective punishment warranted due to the security concerns? Is it moral to deny true refugees a haven? Is it possible to screen them properly? Will American culture and ideals be compromised if… Read More »

Everyone’s tolerance levels are different. Some of us can tolerate more fat in our diet. Others need to watch every ounce. Some of us can tolerate more insults. Others lose sleep over every slight. Some of us tolerate lots of sunlight. Others need layers and layers of sunblock just to go outside.

In this week’s parsha, Toldot, we learn of Yitzchak’s very low tolerance level.

The Torah tells that Yitzchak’s eyes were too dim to see. How did he lose his eyesight? Perhaps it was simply because he was old. Yet, Rashi rejects that option. Instead Rashi attributes his blindness to the smoke of the wives of Esav who would burn incense to idols.

The book of Proverbs declares, “Like vinegar to the teeth and like smok… Read More »