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The ADA’s Repetitive Questions

One thing that makes Grand Jury more interesting and varied than trial jury is that you get to see multiple cases in each day, each case usually has multiple witnesses, each sworn in, each asked questions. And because of that, … Read the rest

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Intent, Attempt and Action

This issue of intent vs. action, how much intent is required or needs to be demonstrated, and what type of (even limited) action can make ones liable for intent, what would we legally consider an attempt, and a variety of … Read the rest

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Rabbi Cousin, Released Time and the Shema

I recently listened to a long, meaningful and memorable interview of Rabbi Aharon Cousin of London on the HFL (Homesick for Lubavitch) Podcast with Bentzi Avtzon.

It goes back to his WWII childhood, he mentions his childhood chewing tar out … Read the rest

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“Visiting Herman” at Mikveh Israel

While visiting Philadelphia (Mendel had a speaking engagement at one of the Chabads) we did a walking tour of the Old City, Philadelphia’s historic center. While there we really wanted to visit the historic Mikveh Israel synagogue, a Philadelphia landmark.… Read the rest

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The Biblical Verse on the Liberty Bell

It’s well known that the “Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land, to all the inhabitants thereof!” line inscribed on the historic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia – is a biblical verse from Leviticus.

But it’s quite something else to actually see it … Read the rest

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Doing Drugs – Another Lens

This summer I’m spending 8 Fridays serving on a Grand Jury where cases are presented by the ADA/prosecution teams to confirm that there’s enough evidence to go to trial. Mum is the word, we’re not supposed to share any of … Read the rest

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Like a Rose Among Thorns

A Midrashic description of the biblical Rivka/Rebecca in the house of Lavan/Laban before marrying Isaac is “Like a Rose Among Thorns.”

I thought of this phrase a number of times during my stint at Grand Jury duty on 8 Fridays … Read the rest

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Moses’ Criteria for his Successor

What was Moshe looking for in his successor?

The verse in Parsha Pinchas tells us when Moshe asked about a successor, he addressed G-d as “G-d of the Spirits!”

Now, that’s an unusual expression! Why did Moshe address G-d this … Read the rest

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The Eye That Sees – the Avot Mishna in 2025

It so happens that this week, (especially HT to a tweet by digital artist Ilan Block on Twitter) this Mishna in Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) came to life in most vivid ways:

“Contemplate three things, and you will not … Read the rest

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Lessons from Flooding of July 2025

Unfortunately, flooding is a big news item this July 2025. The July 4th flooding along the Guadalupe River in the Texas claimed 130 lives (including young children at a summer camp, families in trailers, others vacationing etc) with many people … Read the rest

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