Being that Chanukah 2017 falls over Finals Week at UAlbany, we’re going with a “Final-ly Chanukah” theme. This year we’re lighting a Test-Menorah on the Podium, with the branches of the Menorah decorated as different types of test … Read the rest

It so happens that Raizy’s family will be celebrating a Bris and a wedding on the same day this coming week. Thank G-d for Simchas and Mazal Tovs, wishing for many more! As we were sitting around discussing the logistics, … Read the rest

You know the Chevron symbol? It might be familiar because of the gas company by that name, or because of its common use in military insignia. Merriam-Webster says that the name Chevron comes from the Latin word caper for goat, … Read the rest

The Lei (plastic) flower garlands at our Hawaiian Shabbat made me think of necklaces in general, and wonder about a spiritual relevant life message, a Jewish insight we could come up with about necklaces? or necks? Once I started thinking … Read the rest

What G-d said or didn’t say to Abraham

The title of this post comes from the opening verse of Lech-Lecha, where G-d tells Abraham to make this journey… to the land I will show you. There are many commentaries on … Read the rest

This Shabbat Lech-Lecha (5778/2017) we went with a Tinkertoy theme. The tables were arranged Tinker-toy-style with round tables (like the Tinkertoy wheels) connecting rectangular ones (like the Tinkertoy sticks), and on each of your tables there’s a small arrangement of … Read the rest

Originally an Arab food, Felafel (in pita, with salad and toppings) has become synonymous with Israel, as a widely popular street food or fast-food. The Baal Shem Tov taught that there can and should be a spiritual life message in … Read the rest

Here are a  links to a few online articles and stories to get into the spirit, mentally and emotionally, for the joyous spirit of Simchas Torah, the climax of the entire High Holiday and Sukkot season. Hopefully you will find … Read the rest

Not to get under your skin, but there are two great messages that we can learn from the skin of an Etrog (used on Sukkot as part of the Lulav & Esrog set): 

THICK SKIN

If you’ll slice up an … Read the rest

by Michael Kugler

There was once a king that called out to his subjects that he’s looking for ordinary subjects to join his inner circle. But they have to have extraordinary drive and passion. Most ordinary people thought this wouldn’t … Read the rest