“Covet” is a strange word that is rarely used today except to cite the last of the Ten Commandments, “ Lo Tachmod, Do not covet” (Exodus 20: 14).The desire for things that others have is an apparent outgrowth of the original human survival instinct. A person who is cold, will want the warm coat that someone else is wearing. Read More »

Take an honest assessment of the good thing you have and appreciate your life. Read More »

While it has been a difficult winter for many of us, it may be time to look beyond the turbulent weather and see that spring is just around the corner. You might wonder how one can possibly think of spring at the present time, but, according to Jewish wisdom, now is precisely the time because Tu BiSh’vat is the New Year for trees. Read More »

Stop by a nursery and purchase a small plant to celebrate Tu BiSh’vat . Read More »

Wednesday, February 8th is Tu B’Shevat which is one of the four Jewish New Years. On Tu B’Shevat (literally the 15th of the month of Shevat) we celebrate the New Year for Trees and it is also thought to mark the beginning of Spring. In Israel, they welcome the beginning of Spring on the blossoming of the almond tree. Read More »

As has been frequently reported, anti-Semitism is on the rise.Beyond strengthening our own Jewish identities, what can we do? There are often simple, non-threatening actions that can make a difference. The following is the tale of how one woman’s letter-writing had a positive affect on a celebrity author. Read More »

If you overhear someone make a degrading remark about another person, or group of people, stand up for what is right. Read More »

During the 45 year reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), the Jewish people were still under a ban of settlement that had been in effect since their expulsion from England in 1290. Read More »

If you are a citizen of the British commonwealth, add an extra prayer for the Queen into your day. Read More »

February has been designated American Heart Month. For many years, heart disease was considered to be a mostly male affliction. Read More »

Schedule your annual physical. Read More »

Historians have noted the seemingly underwhelming response of the American Jewish community to the Holocaust as it unfolded in Europe. Among the few who were prominent activists was Rabbi Eliezer Silver (1882-1968).Born in Lithuania, Rabbi Silver came to the United States in 1907, shortly after receiving rabbinic ordination. Read More »

Adding the bedtime Shema to your children’s bedtime routine is a beautiful way to teach them the importance of their Jewish heritage. Read More »

As every diplomat knows, there is a time to talk, a time to pray and a time to take action. This very lesson is recorded in the Torah when Jacob encounters his murderous brother Esau after many years of separation. Jacob sends messengers with gifts (diplomacy), he prays to God, and takes action by splitting his camp into two (Genesis 33). Read More »

Think through the consequences of your every action. Read More »

The Book of Micah contains prophecy directed at both Samaria (Israel) and Jerusalem (Judah) by the prophet Micah, who lived in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. Read More »

If you see someone scrounging for bus fare, help out with a spare quarter or two. Read More »

If you wish to impress, take the time to get to know the person whom you wish to impress. Read More »

“Rabbi Meir used to say: A man should not urge his friend to dine with him when he knows that his friend will not do so. And he should not offer him many gifts when he knows that his friend will not accept them” ( Chullin 94a). Read More »

The laws of guarding Shabbat guarantee that the Jewish people will maintain the Shabbat as a day sacred and distinct from the six work days of the week. Read More »