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Rabbi's Blog

Rabbi Mendel's Blog

Rabbi Mendel's blog features his Dvar Torah (Torah lesson) column from the weekly E-TORAH, ocassional musings and other articles that he authors from time to time.
Your comments are welcome.

Inequality For All

On Tuesday, our daughter Mushka got engaged to Mendel Bluming from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  We can’t wait to welcome Mendel to our family and community!

Like Mushka, Mendel grew up as a young Shliach of the Rebbe. They share many ideals and have similar backgrounds.

On the other hand, North Carolina and Idaho are worlds apart.

Bringing the two of them together requires a third partner – Hashem.

In finding a life partner, much thought needs to go into the unique qualities of a potential soul mate. Many suggestions may be offered, but careful attention must be given to values, compatibility, and emotional connection.  The Jewish way in dating and marriage reminds us that genuine effort must be invested into find… Read More »

From Grasshoppers to Lions

My niece got married in Jerusalem on Wednesday. She was supposed to get married on Monday. She was supposed to have her wedding in a hall; instead it was in an apartment. She was supposed to be surrounded by many relatives; instead most were stranded in Rome and Cyprus.

But, she had a wonderful celebration.

The resilience of the Jewish people is amazing. Friends and family got together and cooked up a storm.  They improvised, creating a fabulous – and memorable – event.

In fact, the unbelievable fortitude of the Jewish nation is on full display, as millions of people shelter from the relentless bombings of kindergartens, homes, hospitals, and mosques.

How does a nation develop such resilience in the face of pure evil?

Read More »

A Watchful Eye

The world was shocked to learn of Israel’s preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear and military targets yesterday. In a matter of hours Iran’s nuclear weapon ambitions had been drastically set back. The top Iranian military leaders, who just a day earlier were promising to wipe Israel off the map, were no longer among the living.

The situation is ongoing. But, one thing is certain. These are historic times with long-ranging and generational implications.

In this week’s parsha, Behaalotecha, the Jewish people are traveling in the wilderness and resort to one of their favorite pastimes. They complain to Moshe about the food they were being served. Almighty G-d was feeding them daily (except Shabbat). However, the Jews found a… Read More »

Inside the Disco

Have you ever walked by a disco and seen a wild scene of dancing and revelry inside?  If you cannot hear the music or sense the rhythm, you may wonder what all the hoopla is about.  If you see the fans celebrating at a sports event but are not privy to what they are spectating, you might be amazed at their energy and intensity.

If you are on the inside, however, things are entirely different.  If you yourself have won the tournament, you are gushing with visible excitement. You are leaping from your seat after your team wins the Super Bowl. Your body is moving in harmony with the tempo.  Your soul is absorbing the tune.

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The conclusion of this week’s parsha Naso, describes how Moshe would hear the instructions … Read More »

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