The first word God spoke to our forefather Abraham was “go!” Move. Leave your comfort zone, where you feel in control of your fate. Go to a place that is foreign, unfamiliar, a total mystery to you. Face new challenges. Form new alliances, teach new students, make new friends. Create a legacy for yourself that […]
The Rambam, in his Guide to the Perplexed, cites the following question relating to the verse in Genesis that warns Man not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge lest he become like a god, able to differentiate between good and bad. This ability to know good from bad is what makes Man unique, raising […]
This post is directed primarily to the guys out there, simply because I don’t think the gals need this bit of unsolicited advice. So Gals, just read on and gloat. Oh, if this post does in fact apply to you, take your medicine and move on. Young, upwardly mobile, professional, single Jewish men in Manhattan […]
I just heard a rumor that someone has offered $1,000 to anyone who, over Simchat Torah, makes a shidduch that leads to marriage within a year. Sounds awesome! This should solve everything, right? Not so fast. Although I absolutely applaud the intentions of the person offering this extremely generous bounty, I don’t think it will […]
Simchat Torah is quickly approaching and soon the UWS will be filled with thousands of singles seeking their soulmates. After participating in this mating ritual for nearly fifteen years, I can say with confidence that Simchat Torah on the UWS is an amazing opportunity to further your search for that special person. There are scores […]
I recently heard the following Torah thought, from a local UWS rabbi, to answer the question of why the Sukkot holiday directly follows Rosh Hahsana and Yom Kippur. He quoted a Midrashic source that explains that since there exists the possibility that the Jewish nation was judged unfavorably and deserving of Galut (exile), we take […]
Today I built a Sukkah on the terrace of our apartment, on the 18th floor of a Manhattan building. The views from the terrace are stunning. Unfortunately, I’m afraid of heights. I still enjoy the views, but only from several feet behind the railing. I envy those guests who walk right up to the edge […]
Last week marked the end of the shloshim, the thirty day period of mourning, for my mother. I can now shave and get my hair cut, if I’m told that my appearance warrants it, which I have been, and it does. I’ve also been told that my sadness should be diminished, and that my tears […]
The rules of etiquette relating to visiting a Shiva house are designed to help the mourners deal with the pain and sorrow of their loss, and begin the slow healing process. It is important for visitors to familiarize themselves with these rules of etiquette so that they can assist, rather than disrupt, this important stage […]