In the biblical story of Jacob’s Ladder in Parshat Vayeitze, G-d tells Jacob, “Ufaratzta!” and that verse is usually translated as “You will spread forth, to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.” It … Read the rest

Most are familiar with the story and image of Jacob’s Ladder, the well-known beautiful biblical imagery of an endless ladder standing down here on earth and reaching up heavenward, with angels going up and down. There’s so much meaning and … Read the rest

Everyone knows the story of Jacob and Rebecca teaming up to trick Isaac out of the blessing intended for Eisav the firstborn. Isaac was blind, he sent Eisav off to hunt for a delicacy and in the meantime Rebecca prepared … Read the rest

(picture to be uploaded soon)

“Jews in America” is a large coffee-table photo book that we’ve had in Shabbos House for many years now. It is filled with vivid pictures of Jews in America, from big cities to small towns, … Read the rest

It so happened that this week, two people from the community came to our Shabbos Minyan to say Kaddish after the passing of their mothers. W.K. lost his mother this week, the burial was on Friday. Y.C.’s mother passed away … Read the rest

For Shabbat of October 30th, Game 3 of the Mets in the World Series 2015, we set up the Shabbat dinner tables into an infield diamond (with blue tablecloths) and an outfield of 3 rows of tables (with orange tablecloths) … Read the rest

“Bo el HaTeiva” are the three words G-d told Noah to “come into the Ark.” Teivah is Hebrew for Ark, but it also can mean Word. The Baal Shem Tov (see #13 of our Twenty Baal Shem Tov teachings… Read the rest

You didn’t have to be a die-hard Mets fan to be closely following their NLDS 2015 Game 5 against the LA Dodgers this past Thursday night. The Mets have come a long way to get to this playoff series. And … Read the rest

This Sukkot (2015), following Abbas’ speech and declaration at the UN, has seen a tragic surge in terror attacks, stabbings and shootings in Israel. Earlier this holiday we spoke of the shooting of Eitam and Naama Henkin (and messages from … Read the rest

Is there a maximum height of a Sukkah? The first Mishna of Talmud Sukkah says there’s an argument about this. The general consensus is that a Sukkah (floor-to-ceiling) can’t be higher than 20 Amos (cubits) or the equivalent of about … Read the rest