Author Archives: rabbisteve

Avot 4:1 1. Ben Zoma would say: Who is wise? One who learns from every man. As is stated (Psalms 119:99): “From all my teachers I have grown wise, for Your testimonials are my meditation.” Who is strong? One who … Continue reading →

Avot 3:3 Rav Shimon would say: Three who eat at one table and do not speak words of Torah, it is as if they have eaten of idolatrous sacrifices; as is stated, “Indeed, all tables are filled with vomit and … Continue reading →

Rav Shimon says: Be meticulous in reading the Shema and in prayer; when you pray, do not make your prayer a set routine, but rather ask for compassion and supplication before the All Present. As it is said: Joel 2:13 … Continue reading →

Isaiah 42:21 ADONAI was pleased, for his righteousness’ sake, to make the Torah great and glorious. One of the things we begin during Pesakh is our study of Pirkay Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers. The Pirkey Avot is not … Continue reading →

All of HaShem’s appointed times require preparation. We prepare for Shabbat weekly by shopping and getting gas for the car before sundown. We make certain to have Khallah and wine for our festive Shabbat dinners. We prepare to fast for … Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 3 (Complete Jewish Bible) 16 Don’t you know that you people are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? This week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel, includes rather detailed descriptions of the construction of the Mishkan. One of … Continue reading →

Today is Shushan Purim. The Book of Esther teaches us that it took extra time to get the word out to all the communities that the Jews were allowed to defend themselves against the followers of Haman (Boooo!) So, all … Continue reading →

Deuteronomy 25 (Complete Jewish Bible) 17 “Remember what ‘Amalek did to you on the road as you were coming out of Egypt, 18 how he met you by the road, attacked those in the rear, those who were exhausted and … Continue reading →

Proverbs 2 (Complete Jewish Bible) 1 My son, if you will receive my words and store my commands inside you, 2 paying attention to wisdom inclining your mind toward understanding 3 yes, if you will call for insight and raise … Continue reading →

When I am asked to intercede for people in prayer, I usually pray in Hebrew. I recently had someone express disappointment in this practice. “I don’t understand what you are praying,” they exclaimed. My response was “good!” In reality, I … Continue reading →