Three Approaching The Twitight Zone

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Free Writing

Of all the star memoirs last year Bob Newhart's stands out as the rare success. That book comes to mind because the title was I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This. And that might be applied to my posting now.

I'm scurrying, in that pre-Shabbos mode that comes no matter what time Shabbos starts - at least for me.

Last night I was on for mishmar. It was a small crowd, considering the size of the school's population. Quality wise it was a pleasure. Where do these kids come from? Frum. Sincere. Curious. Respectful. Very interested in learning. The answer is probably - fine families.

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A Haiku Couplet Prayer

I. You open Your hand
poteach et yadecha
and give us free choice

II. Rav Yosef Engel
explains that kol chai ratzon
refers to our will

Rav Pesach Oratz (Shlitah) once cited this idea - that this famous line doesn't mean that G-d gives us all whatever we want, rather that G-d gives us the ability (ratzon) to be happy with whatever we have.

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A Shabbos Thought

Rav Yitzchak Mirsky (Shlitah) writes that lechem mishnah serves not only as a reminder of desert miracles but as a conduit for modern miracles as well. He cites from Sefer HaMatamim that if Shabbos candles are not burning well the Challot - made especially for Shabbos should be set facing of the flickering candles and that this is a well tested segulah. Rabbi Mirsky quotes his father's childhood memory regarding this. The candles were wavering. They put the Challot on one side of the candles and the the wicks tilted toward that side. They put the Challot on the other side and to the family's amazement the flames tilted the other way and then straightened.

Wishing a Shabbat Shalom to all.