GNAGB

Prayer

My prayer

No one elses

It is mine alone

As your prayer is yours

Otherwise it may not be prayer

It's that kind of thing

Has to be owned

Otherwise why bother

At all?

Prayer

~

-------------------------------------

~

Sometimes - I am ashamed to say

I feel too tired to pray

But maybe, as I drift unawares

That in itself is, for me, my prayer

Then You Will Shape Many Students

"Have you had this exact situation many times before?" a student recently asked me. I was saying things that resonated to his unique predicament, listening with a whole heart - as best I could. I had never heard a situation like his before. And I have heard situations like his hundreds of times before. The Rabbis teach, "Hevei metunim bedin." Rabeinu Ovadia MiBartenura explains that even if the same scenario seems to present itself one hundred times, you should look at it like new each time. This is true for a court officer, but more importantly it's important for anyone who wishes to be an evolved human being. By seeing a case as new you are enabled to draw on common denominators from the foundations of cases, so different and so similar. Sophisticated wisdom comes with conscious effort combined with time. True wisdom is the blessing from G-d to take what we've seen and taken in once and applying it to another context that arises later.

A colleague recently complimented me sincerely, saying that he was impressed, calling me Machiavellian. Oy. I don't know where to start on that one. I hope and pray and work to be decent, sincere, and kind. Adding some goodness to the lives of others is on my to do list every day. I confess that efforts toward survival on various levels are something that in this "real" world (portrayed so well in Bang The Drum Slowly) I've learned, despite my tender inclination, to try to remember to keep on my radar. But Machiavellian? What's that saying about what Peter says about Paul? As Michael Stipe put it, "I've said too much, but not enough."

Here and here I speak about the expression, "man's inhumanity against man." It's funny [not ha ha]; this is the third year in a row that at around the same time I felt compelled to mention this reality. I am reminded of what someone wise once said, that some tragedies make belief in G-d difficult, but the greatest tragedies in life are the ones that make belief in man impossible.

That reminds me of sweet moment that happened this morning in Davening. A student who doesn't seem to normally groove on prayer asked if I could recommend any tefila for him to look at on his own, to read and take in. I showed him Ahavti, Haleli Nafshi, and Brich Shmei (the latter, which I hope to never forget my father -HSLABW- once turning to me in Shul and saying, "Take at look at the English on this, it's beautiful.") He liked what he read, but was troubled by the theme in both Haleli Nafshi and Brich Shmei of not putting any trust in man. "Don't you sometimes need to trust other people?" An excellent question. I told him some of my thoughts. Perhaps I should have told him what my supervisor Ruth used to tell me whenever I had a question relating to my life/work, "Think about it." Instead of writing more here, I will ask/tell you to "think about it."

VeHoooo Rachooo'ooom!!!

I am starting this at 7:50.. I have a deal with a friend to do things that need to be done till 8:30 and to then touch base. So that's what I'll do...

~
i
Off to tidy up
I'll keep my answers hidden
You'll have to suffer
But my place must be cleaned up
Geulah starts with Seder

b

~

h

OK - I reset the alarms for weekday time, cleaned off the bed area, shuffled clothing and papers. Now it's time to write, that's something that needs to be done too.

l

Here's an old/new e.e. cummings poem.

h

I never sit and listen to the radio. But sometimes what's meant to be background pulls me in. I stop. I listen. That happened with today's This I Believe, about dancing.

j

And now time to daven up Maariv. Or maybe pause, and breathe and take it in. Maybe.

j

"Maariv! Maariv!"

g

G-d evenings evenings

Wisely, opens gates

Changes the clocks

Arranges the stars

Rolls away light and

Rolls in darkness, then

Rolls light around again

Always. Eveninger Of Evenings

Remains, Eternally Our King.

Frustration I Can Live With Now And Then

Writers tend to be sensitive souls. Over the years I have cited various poets and writers, written to them as well. It is always an honor to hear back. I just received an email from Nicholas Samaras, who said he was "deeply humbled" to have been cited on my blog. He informed me that his goal is to write 150 psalms and he is presently at 131. Wow. He thanked me for my encouragement. The ones that I saw were quite remarkable (that's the word I used when I cited them the first time - it just seems right). The editors of a major literary journal thought highly of them as well. Image is quality.

The two poems I cited from Mr. Samaras can be found here and here.

That Sometimes Grips Me

The mishnah in Avot says "kol ma'asecha yehiyu lesheim shamayim" - "all your actions should be for the sake of Heaven. Chayim Dovid, the wonderful singer, has a song called Le'Ma'an Shemo. In the liner notes he explains that a chaver of his told him that reciting and focusing on those words can lift you out of a funk (he was in one and asking the friend for an eitzah). One year in Shiriya a class did that song - outstanding.

Today in class we were learning about Korach (OK, I admit it, I was teaching - but I like to think of it more as a group experience). Another mishnah in Avot says of any argument which is lesheim shmayim that sofah lehitkayeim. We discussed what that means. Does it mean that good will come from it? Does it mean that it will be remembered?

The mishnah goes on to say that if it's not lesheim shamayim then - ein sofah lehitkayeim. What does that mean. Students raised the question that the argument of Korach, which is presented as the paradigm of an insincere argument IS remembered. I am writing of it now, we were (ironically) debating about in class today.

Sarah B of tenth grade (there's a Sarah B in 9th grade Chumash too) said that from inside, for the perpetrator of the insincere assault no good will come. But that doesn't mean that looking from the outside in you can't or shouldn't learn from the episode.

Then we got to the second half of the mishnah, which says that Hillel and Shamai are the best example of an argument that's lesheim Shamayim. On the other hand the machloket of Korach vechol adato are the example of an argument that is not for the sake of Heaven.

The question is, why is it asymmetrical? Why doesn't the mishnah state that the argument was between Korach and Moshe. Many answers have been offered. Amy said something that I'd never thought of.

To Korach and his men, Moshe's side didn't exist! It was just his fight, there was no other side. This is so common. I see it all the time. Kids may argue for points, but they are not interested in what you have to say - they just want to score the points. And so often for adults it's all about one side, not even acknowledging that there is another viewpoint.

That was some of my teaching day.

Rav Zevin's vort on Vayikra comes to mind as Shabbos approaches; the pasuk speaks of a person sacrificing from himself. The key is to offer of ourselves to G-d. In the end we stand to gain.

The following piece is by Hillel Goldberg. I came across it while sorting through old papers. I think it was originally in the Jewish Observer. I am surprised that it doesn't seem to already exist on the web (except in a post of mine from August '05), and hope that my posting it is helpful.

l

I was taken by this essay on several levels. What are your thoughts?

j

If Only

By Hillel Goldberg

~

"I was dreaming...If only I had an opportunity to think,

really just sit and think

without the press of obligation;

If only I had the ability to put out of my mind, really empty it,

of financial and business concerns;

If only I could spend some time with my family on a regular basis;

If only I could forget, even temporarily,

the teacher, the competitor, or detractor

who causes my grief;

If only I could escape the insistent ringing of the telephone,

not just when I'm out,

or when I think it's safe or necessary

to turn on my answering machine, but periodically;

If only I could figure out who I really am,

what makes a difference to me--

could steadily reevaluate life's direction without being flaky;

If only I could sense something of the beauty of this world,

not just occasionally on a vacation or ski trip,

but on a regular basis without feeling guilty

for stealing the time or alternatively,

feeling guilty for not having the discipline

for doing what I am supposed to do;

If only I could look out at the world

and feel completely at harmony with it;

If only I could add a dimension to my existence,

my increasing my ability to sing or dance or listen or laugh;

If only I could shake the depression or self - doubt

that sometimes grips me;

If only I could feel at one with people,

unconcerned about whether I was better

or more successful or respected than they,

or whether they were better or more successful or respected than I.

If only I could locate the design, the purpose

to this crazy world of ours, with its wars and jealousies,

and sicknesses and other sufferings;

If only I could get things into perspective, know what is important,

worth bothering about, what is unimportant,

not worth trifling with;

If only I could unravel the meaning within life's mysteries,

could know how they reigned within a larger mystery.

j

If only?

I need not dream.

All my wishes are available.

Shabbos."

Good Shabbos dear world

If only it will transform

Please G-d, please G-d, please

The Possible Is Profound

Kim Richey's Chinese Boxes is providing a more than pleasant soundtrack to this pre sleep post.

I received 3 emails today about this Birchat HaChama incident written up in The Times 112 years ago (sic). It doesn't float my boat, but some people seem to get a big kick out of it. Maybe you will.

Over the years since Aaron passed there has been an annual yahrtzeit shiur. The past speakers have all been Y.U. Rosh Yeshivas (Rabbis Wiilig, Schachter, Twersky, etc). This year's speaker was a noted Gateways presenter, Rabbi Eytan Feiner. His presentation was in contrast to the ones of other years in several ways, one of the differences being his cultural/secular references.

I learned from him that Marc Salem wrote a book. You may recall a Marc Salem video I linked to in December. Here it is again for your perusal. I find what he does to be intriguing. Tonight I asked Barnes and Noble to order The Six Keys to Unlock and Empower Your Mind: Spot Liars & Cheats, Negotiate Any Deal to Your Advantage, Win at the Office, Influence Friends, & Much More for me (no charge/obligation for the store to order and hold it) so I can take a look at it.

He referenced The Little Prince's statement that there is some underlying, fascinating subtext to the silent desert. He said that this relates to the connection between the Hebrew word for speech and desert.

He cited Dale Carnegie and said that Rav Elya Lopian was a fan of Mr. Carnegie. (I believe that it was Rav Dessler and not Rav Lopian, as Rabbi Josh Hoffman informed me. This is supported by the passage from the Yashar Books website that follows:

Rabbi Ari Waxman writes: "On a similar topic, I am attaching Rav Yoel Katan's article (PDF), printed in Hamaayan, Nissan 5752, which deals with a maamar of Rav Dessler given in Ponevitch during Elul 1949 and appears in Michtav MeEliyahu, Vol. IV, P.234. Rav Katan claims that it is based on Dale Carnegie's writings. Actually, before I read this article I heard a rumor about Rav Dessler being fond of Dale Carnegie's writings and I called Rabbi Aryeh Carmel in an attempt to clarify.

Rabbi Carmel confirmed the rumor telling me that Rav Dessler felt that the writings of Dale Carnegie are beneficial to the avodah of Mussar. I asked Rabbi Carmel if Rav Dessler read the books themselves and he clarified, "No, Rav Dessler didn't actually read the books, but rather he read an article in Reader's Digest which gave a synopsis of Dale Carnegie's principals."

(At one point in our conversation Rabbi Carmel's wife, who suspected that the person on the other side of the line was having a difficult time swallowing the information, yelled out from the background, "Tell him - Mekol melamdai hiskalti! Mekol Melamdai hiskalti!")

There's a great book called Smileage. The following Either/Or Questions come from that work (pg. 96).

Would you rather:

1. play in a super successful band or be moderately successful as a solo artist?
2. ski down a glacier or sunbathe in the Caribbean?
3. negotiate a peace treaty or lead a revolt against an evil empire?
4. go on an archaeological dig in Israel or explore the surface of Mars in a spacecraft?
5. work as a fireman or a police officer?
6. take lessons in karate or ballroom dancing?

Opportunity;

The possible is profound

Believe, breathe, create

o

May G-d bless us all, everyone. Goodnight and have a pleasant tomorrow.

P.S. This article struck me. It's about a priceless, blood coated, hundred dollar bill.

P.P.S. This research/data fascinates me. It's about the teen brain.

P.P.P.S. Step away from the keyboard...

Just Now: Yehi Zichro Baruch

The unusual is usual, so today was a usual day. We all just spent a half hour following a processional for a funeral that took place in our school's shul. It was for a man who built, supported, led the institution for many years. A colleague who's been here for over 30 years remembered him to me as a gentleman who knew teachers by name, would visit the school and sit and chat with faculty members over coffee. As we walked I just kept repeating "Halelukah haleli nafshi...teizei rucho yashuv la'admato..." May his neshama have a aliya and may we who he enabled to learn here bring great goodness for his soul.

My City Is Always An Ocean

For my birthday, back in October, my parents (TSLABW) sent me an e-card with personal, sincere, articulate words that touched me in just the right way. Over the summer - about three months before receiving that card - I wrote a poem, which included these words:

y
Sitting on a jetty at the edge of Ocean City
Thinking my city is always an ocean
I sit perched and yearn from a distance
for that sailboat spot beyond the sand and tide
y
It struck me that the card from Mom and Dad filled the screen with an image of blue sky touching blue sea with a sailboat floating across the horizon. The boat wouldn't stop - kept sailing from one side of the water to the other.

My friend (who together with her late husband Aaron Bulman, has been dear to me for about twenty years) sent me a Birthday card. I was moved just by seeing an envelope in my mailbox that wasn't from Verizon. Then it got even better.

The card's cover pictured sky meeting sea with a small sail boat - identical, in my mind, to the one my parents navigated my way - in rapid motion, shooting across the horizon. The cover image was accompanied by these words: "Birthdays are for cherishing the last year's journey - and joyously anticipating the next." And inside: "May the year ahead unfold into a beautiful journey that leads to everything your heart desires."
u
On Sukkot, during a profound, surprise birthday celebration my friend's mother presented me with a card. I became flummoxed when I opened the envelope and saw three boats with their large sails fully open as they jettisoned joyously across a sea caught meeting sky. Beside the large, active boats was a little box with one sailboat in it - the same one that, in my mind, was on the other cards.

Shortly after my birthday I was looking for a space on my wall for a gift; an artful, tasteful, originally framed rendition of one of my poems. While considering where this gift fit, I remembered that I had an 8 year old shrink wrapped print of a painting hung in a clip on, K-Mart blue plastic frame (purchased at the giant K-Mart in Honesdale, the one near Moshava) over my desk. The K-Mart print rested to the right of a framed article from the Bergen Record (which catches my eye from time to time as I write at my desk, unlike the K-Mart painting that I hadn't paid attention to in years) about my being a rabbi, teacher, and comedian. (One of the smartest businesses I've ever encountered is a company in Florida that scans the papers daily for human interest stories and then contacts the people the articles are about and asks them if they'd like to purchase a tastefully matted oak wood framed version of the piece with a shingle included stating where and when and in what paper the story was featured). The K-Mart print never grabbed me. I decided to take it down and replace it with my beautiful gift of a frame which contains a poem of mine about feeling enclosed by layer within layer within - you get it.

As I removed the old print (pictured above) , Three Sailboats by Laforet, I noticed that all the sails were down. That seemed providential, that I'd take down the inactive sails at a time when all these lively sailboats were being floated by me.

The next day in school, when I used the expression "even keeled," which I often do - a student asked me if I ever sailed, said he highly recommended it. "Why do you ask?" I asked. He told me that keel is a sailing expression.

A few days later I was talking to a friend and mentor in his home and noticed that behind him on his shelf was a giant model of a boat with many sails.

Shortly after that I went to my email page and the ad on top was an ad for going boating.

And then I remembered being a kid and listening in my neighbor's apartment to my favorite record about sailing and how I wanted to be a sailor. My family went over the Throggs Neck Bridge often and when I'd see the boats on those Sundays on the way to Grandma and Grandpa's house I'd never fail to say that I wanted to be a sailor when I grew up.

Recently I was in the home of dear friends and noticed a sailboat on a plate hanging over the sink. And then I was in a car on the West Side Highway and wrote a tanka about the sailboat alongside the ride (which I just deleted from this post via an accidental click, and now it seems to be gone forever).

I'm not sure what to make of all these sailboats. I've waited almost 6 months to post this. Sukkot is too soon gone and Pesach is a short trail of breadcrumbs away. The other day I looked through a box of cards I have for various occasions. I found one with a sailboat on it and thought, maybe it's just a common image and there's nothing to make of my seeing them all over. But I don't think so. I think, even if they are common, it's new to me to be noticing the sailboats again.

Tonight I heard a shiur in memory of my dear friend Aaron Bulman, of blessed memory on the occasion of his seventh (sic) yahrtzeit. I miss him so much. The shiur was about the power of speech. Aaron was a master of words. I came home from the shiur feeling sad. I sat and mourned a bit. Then I watched the end of Monsoon wedding, a film I think Aaron would have loved.

I had no intention of posting this tonight. A compulsion to post it just took hold of me, though I was thinking of never posting it. It has something to do with Aaron and my knowing that he wants me to lift my sails to freedom.

I've put off this post for a long time, but now I'm letting it sail. Better done then perfect. May this Pesach unfold into a beautiful journey that leads to everything good our hearts desire.

The Dream I Will Return To

I am really enjoying A Broom of One's Own. It's straightforward, good writing, also funny and real.

"It helps to get up earlier than my conscious mind..." she writes regarding early morning writing.

Or she'll drop a gem with ease, like "We don't read fiction for reality, we read fiction for truth."

More?

"Stories want to be born, but they aren't attracted to the form that they take. A story is just as content to be told orally, as it is to be written. If I go around telling it to everyone, it's happy and gone... On the one hand I want people to be interested in my work, but on the other hand I don't want to talk about it... Every day I have to pull myself out of the dream that I know I will return to. I have to shake off a world that is as real to me as my own kitchen..."

GNAGB #203

I recently paid honor to Paul Harvey by linking to his books in this post. I've been re-reading the books. One that struck me was about the med student who had a Dr./professor who was extremely intuitive and always teaching his students to be curious. He figured out amazing things about people just through his power of observation. And he inspired his student, Artie, to create a character named Sherlock Holmes. "And now you know the rest of the story."

Jenny Lewis' uniquely lilting, articulate, and dark Rabbit Fur Coat plays as I type. I wonder how long I'll type for. I'm tired - how many people other than my dear mother (SSLABW) tire of reading that I'm tired?

It was a packed day. I was asked at 7:40 to stand in and stand in front of the Shul, starting at 7:45, to keep order (for 600+ kids). I was told after by a student that I was strong in my own way. Others told me that they liked the way I announced things, such as the Night of the Arts, and Mishmar - that there was a sense of into-it-ness.

This afternoon a class that I taught 2 years ago asked their Rabbi if they could find me. They were talking about Pesach and remembered something I taught them back in tenth grade. It was so sweet to spend 20 minutes giving over to them, as they sat riveted. That was probably the highlight of my day. I thank G-d for the honor of being a teacher.

On the bus ride home I read a fascinating story about a guy who recently made a legal investment and got a 16% return, which was highly unlikely for at least 2 good reasons. I hope his family enjoys the nice dinner.

I just gave 3 Chumash tests. I'm giving a Gemorah test Thursday. Adam Le'Ameil Yulad.

I just got back from Maariv, and before that I was at the opening of the film “Faces of Israel: A Discussion About Marriage, State, and Religion in the Jewish Homeland.” The movie focuses on the Rabanut and the fact that they perform marriages and the fact that today there are other denominations in Israel and other organizations offering alternatives to having one's wedding performed by the Rabbinate. It is broken into chapter like (I don't recall the exact headings) - How The Rabbinate Does Weddings, What Are The Alternatives, etc.

At Maariv time, this came to mind:
k

Vehu Rachumlli

k

He is merciful:

Will forgive sin, won't destroy

This king heeds our calls

n

Wrote this one on the N.J.T. train last night:k

j j

An Asian woman

talks of letting oneself go

of being "fresh faced"

she keeps repeating "fresh faced"

to her tenuous boyfriendk

Written while my friend spoke, upon the occasion of being honored at his Shul's dinner:

1. Tenth grade a short kid

Quiet, smart, basketball star

One of my best friends

~

2. Seth, don't make me cry

As you humbly stand so tall

Remembering Mom

Thanking Mindy, your G-d send

And G-d above all

Where's My Lampshade?

I am writing before checking emails. I haven't checked email all day. I just came home and sat down to type without looking at who's sent me what messages. The last time I wrote a post after not seeing emails for a while and not peeking before posting was four years ago. The newscaster just announced that it's 5:50, as I was pasting the link to this past post-Passover post I noticed that it was timed in at 5:50 PM. Ah yes, I remember it well.

The oddest commercial just played on CBS radio - sponsored by people who want liquor to be sold in supermarkets in New York. It'll raise 160 million dollars that can be used for schools, they say. Arsenio Hall used to do a routine called Things That Make You Go, "Hmmmm."

While I haven't checked emails, I did see that post before this one got comments from Anne and Kishke. Bless You. I hear what you're saying about the Funny Rabbi thing. It gets me speaking engagements too. Many a rabbi can talk Torah, but not so many can be genuinely - honest to goodness, stand up style funny. The pain is the pigeonholing. I was recently in a community and avoided a man for as long as I could. Eventually I caught his eye and he did what he's been doing for twenty years - he points to me and puts on a heavy fake laugh. Get it? I'm the funny rabbi. Sigh. Still I'll probably stick with the heading as is, you guys made cogent, honest, sincere, helpful points. Thanks.

I don't much feel like writing about the day though it was filled with wrinkles and twists that may be of interest to some. I thank G-d for a chance to teach, to learn, to pray, to be a cog in an important operation, to be kind and even for the chance to discipline and provide structure and boundaries.

Do you want to play?

Beware when that yearning fades

Play tames the darkness

~

Who makes you feel safe?

Where is your favorite place?

I pray you be there.

~

North East Corridor

Felt strange 20 years ago

Here I am again

Riding the train to old friends

Wondering of change

GNAGB

I'm really thinking of changing the blog title - Eclectic Soul (maybe keep NY's Funniest Rabbi in parentheses).

I am so tired. I go to the dentist on Sundays and other off days to not miss work - ongoing stuff. Then I had a dinner in Highland Park - my dear friends were honored and I got to see another couple of dear friends too. Why do I write this here?

Did I mention that I'm tired. And my tooth hurts.

I want to add to my hagaddah for this year - have done a bit...

I got my watch fixed today at Macy's - for some reason the salesperson decided to be nice and not charge me.

I bought some new magnetic poetry words and used them to write on the train...

Challenge can transform

Raise up a deep, pure, warm, faith

Inspire wisdom

Our human call

To challenge and encourage

Some call it teaching

On Teaching

One day I passed a "former" student in the hall. The student smiled widely and said hi back. Early on, the year I had this student I caught him/her being good. It was the first week of school and I sent a positive note home, (I need to do that more often) as well as praising the comment on the spot which really was quite good. From then on the participation flowed regularly. A colleague of mine complained from time to time about this same person - there was an issue over an owed homework assignment and a debate over whether it was done or not. There were calls home and and and. I have a hunch I know what it's like when this rabbi and this student pass each other in the hall. How much does that matter? Now I'm thinking about teaching-related questions...

How many fond memories do you have of school? How many fond memories do you have of things you learned, specific points of information? How proud were you of how much ground you covered in class X? Do you recall with a sweet taste how well controlled Y's classroom was? Do you remember particular assignments that you excelled at? Do you remember any positive feedback that you received for work or participation? How many teachers in your life can you name that you remember fondly? How many teachers can you name about whom you have negative recollections? How many teachers' names elude you (does that matter, or does the fact remain that you learned from them and that's what counts)? How important is the connection created? The mood?

Regarding Jewish Studies classes (shiur): Are Jewish Studies different than other school topics? How? Should/could the goals of a teacher be different in a Jewish Studies class than a secular one? Are connection and atmosphere to be treated differently than in secular classes?

Were you more of a Math/Science student or an English type? Did you find that teachers tilted equally toward all students or leaned more to students inclined toward their subject? Did you find this to be more of an issue in some classes over others? What do you think of this Woody Allen quote - "Don't listen to what teachers say, just look at their faces and you'll learn all you need to know about life"?

One In A Googol (Sic)

What are the odds of

Love, success, happiness - of

Ever being born?

Vayakhel - Pekudei

The Medrash (cited by Rav Elimelech Bar Shaul) cites two seemingly contradictory psukim from the Torah. On the one hand we're told of the stars above - "HA'MOTZTI B'MISPAR TZVAOM, L’KULAM BESHEIM YIKRA - He brings out their host by number, He calls them all by NAME." (Yishayahu 40:26). On the other hand is the pasuk - "LeKULAM SHEIMOT YIKRA - He calls them all by their NAMES." (Tehillim 147: 4).
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The Medrash explains the 2 scenarios referred to here. One is that G-d calls the heavenly hosts as one unit. At other times He calls each star by its individual name. The Medrash goes on to apply this duality to man, citing Parshat Vayakhel as a proof text - "See Hashem has called Betzalel by name" (Shmot 35:30).
h
We are all chosen to fulfill individual potentials. But there is also an aspect of our identity as part of a community. These two roles create constant tension because one encourages us to develop our unique character while the other obliges us to subordinate ourselves to the needs of the community. We struggle to discern when we are divinely called BSHEIM - with one communal name, and when we are called BESHEIMOT- as individuals.
h
It is not by accident that this Medrash uses the metaphor of stars to represent the Jewish People. This is one image conjured by G-d in telling Avraham about his descendants. The other image is that of sand. It is relevant to the topic of individual versus communal potential to ask why two seemingly similar similes were given to represent one idea. The answer lies in the subtle difference between sand and stars. When you look stars you see a large uncountable number. But you can still point to each one and identify it as a lone star. Grains of sand however, blend together into one entity. This represents the dual nature of every Jew as an individual and as part of a nation.
h
Another Medrash on our parsha states that Hashem pointed to Betzalel's name in a book which listed every person in the world who ever was or will be born. From within all those names Hashem chose that of Betzalel and told Moshe that he's the chosen one. Why? Rabbi Neal Turk suggested many years ago that the message was that just like Betzalel had his specific purpose for which he was chosen so too every person that was or ever will be born has their unique calling as well.
j
Rav Moshe Feinstein stressed the fact that Betzalel's talents were spotlighted within a context of service of G-d. Similarly we should all realize our calling and harness our abilities for the service of G-d. This is perhaps the true meaning of the Gemora, which states that 2 comedians merited Olam HaBA. The reward was not simply for making people laugh, but for their understanding what their unique talents were and using them for good, for the sake of heaven. May we all be so blessed.

A friend who claims to not be talented in the writing department wrote this:

the trick is to remember the rain

during the sunny days

and prepare for them.
the trick is to remember the sun

during the storms

and hope for them

LeNatah

Remember our time, focus less on rhyme

- certainly less on reason

Realize that in this End of Ages season,

brazenness is rampant

The disrespectful will do what they do,

then try to turn it on you

It's good to recall after all, what a difference a day,

a moment, a turn can make

Move ahead, for Heaven's sake; what does G-d ask of us?

To show some trust in above

To foster love, to humbly walk, respectfully talk,

own what we've sown and grown

No one is angry always, though it may be hard

to find the good day

No one never gets angry, there's no such reality;

we implode or explode

We each have our mode of how we behave,

as we pray to be saved.

We All Carry

I remember around this time last year posting many questions, sometimes writing exclusively in question form. When I say a year ago I mean the Jewish year. I looked back at March '08 and found wishes for a Good Purim in the comments on March 16th. That post was a short one that garnered comments that morhed into dialogue. It's cool when that happens. I recall that around Pesach I was heavy into the questions, so I'll look a month ahead. The post that I found was this one, and since I believe nothing is by accident I will link to that post (besides, I feel like it).

I just arrived home recently. I decided to ask the grocery to deliver, rather than schlepping for a change. Several people said nice things to me today and I hope, and think, vice versa. A colleague that was able to made some copies for me. And yet. One person was snippy to me early in the morning and I've been carrying it all day.

My dear friend Bin once told me that he remembered a story he heard in college from Dr. Taubes. An Oriental Sage was walking with some students when they reached a river. The water was low and they were about to walk through it when they noticed a young woman hesitating at the shore. The elder offered to carry the woman across, an offer she accepted. That evening one of his more nervy students asked the teacher how he could carry this attractive woman on his shoulders; did it not affect him negatively? The wise man replied, "I put her down hours ago, are you still carrying her?"

Carrying things is a tricky business. I remember during what was simply called the Lebanon War in the early eighties, reading a Time magazine cover story about Ariel Sharon, while I spent a week or so living with my grandfather, while my grandmother recuperated in the hospital from a heart attack (may their neshamot both have aliyot and may they have much nachas from the good they perpetuated in this world). Sharon said that he was not the type to ever look back, he sounded quite proud about this. It's a type. I wonder what it's like.

I perused April '08. Still no sign of question. The first post I linked to was a short poem with a thread of comments. (There were no comments by me. Maybe I just wanted that thread to play out without my involvement. I facilitated from the side. Still, I feel a bit badly. I do generally try to reply to comments. This is a blog etiquette that I learned early on from fellow blogger, and writer of A Stranger Among Us, Robert Avrech. He always responds to comments of his readers. There's another approach, which is that rather than replying on your own site in your own comments the nicest thing to do for a fellow blogger who commented on your post is to visit their site and, if it's feasible, to leave a comment for them too. Anne, Therapy Doc, and Jack are particularly good at this M.O. Some bloggers, including some of the ones just mentioned, do both.

I didn't yet find in April '08 those question posts that I've been thinking about. I did find a short poem called Histakel, with one comment - sort of.

I think, therefore, ________________.

Gave a test, reviewed for two. Had a faculty meeting. Had a pleasant conversation with a colleague at lunch. Taught 5 courses. Davened, took attendance.

George Bernard Shaw said that most people thought once a day and that what made him unique was that he thought twice a day. I heard that live from Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld.

I think, therefore what?

Therefore I am? Dramatic!

Therefore I do? Good!

"Wonderin' Aloud" ("And It's Only The Giving That Makes You What You Are")

Jonathan, Harry

Combined to make Johari

providing intrigue

u

Each us; many "I"s

It takes many eyes to see

even our own selves

Could I paint me? I wonder

As right now, do you read me?

Siobhan's Window (With Apologies And Thanks To Jonathan and Harry)

I don't blog daily

Such foolish consistency

Says "I have no life"

k

- Siobhan Adcock

"But If You're Not Available We Understand"

They come to me in lines,

Not everything is fine,

They want to speak,

To try to to tweak their angst and pain,

Try to remain loyal to their religion

As they approach decisions

~

They look to me to be even keeled,

They come because I'm real

I respect what they feel

Don't just try to fill them up

Like they were a paper cup.

~

Reality is not breezy, not like

When you're little and it was easy

But even then - "if not now when?"

Hovered mid air, the question of -

"Is it fair?" The feelings felt

Because of the cards dealt,

The headlines of our news

That we don't choose.

~

I'm writing this free form,

Feeling a bit worn,

After 2 students approach me,

Eagerly asking when I'm free

To provide a boon,

To help heal wounds.

~

I'm between 2 courses,

The time when colleagues bar ilan sources,

And I am asked to give, because

People see that's how I live,

Seeing as my role to appreciate that

A broken heart is whole.

Sometimes I Imagine Myself A Child Seeing Videos Of Me Now

When I started this blog back in November '04 it was a place where I put what I was writing anyway. Ostrich like, I hid it in plain sight. I would take a private poem scribbled in my little black diary and blog it nice and easy, with no admittance of what that might mean... It's now four rich years later... I am grateful to G-d on many levels for all that this space has become.
ki
About a year ago a friend showed me a cool thing on you tube. Since then I tried to find it. I'd describe it to people, "It's animated, like claymation,but not really. It's instruments that expand and contract. You see the inner workings. Balls ping and pong off instruments." It rang no bells for anyone. Until today. I got the response; "I think you mean this." Yes I do. And here's a bonus feature that shows the computer graphics shading progression during the piece. And if you liked that, you'll probably really enjoy this. And then you can do the youtube thing and link and link and link.
k
The first of these pieces reminded me a bit of Ray Lynch's Celestial Soda Pop (which sounds to me like an adaptation of Call Me) and the other tune that really struck me (I think even more than the other one) when I first heard Deep Breakfast - "all those years ago."
n
I am quite enjoying Nancy Peacock's memoir of sorts. Quote of the day:

"After years of cleaning houses

and claiming little rental hovels as my own,

I have come to believe that inanimate objects

have feelings, or at least energy.

I can feel the difference in a cared for,

well-lived-in home

and a house that is more like a status symbol,

or a staging ground for chaos.

I find it odd that in just about

every mansion I've ever cleaned,

there has been at least one picture of a little cottage

with smoke curling out of the chimney..."

~

(A Broom Of One's Own, pages 67-68).

Pretty Amazing Grace

Diffidence; Neil Diamond uses the word in the liner notes of his latest CD, Home Before Dark, proving to be articulate. In his excellent lyrics he keep it simple, leaving out words like diffidence. I have a feeling he's got more SAT words up his sleeve. (There are better ways to describe big words, but I teach 15 periods a week of eleventh graders. They took the SATs yesterday. Most of them swear they'll never take the test again. I know that some of them will.) I bought this over the summer along with other that hot off the pressCDs at 7.99 a pop. Diamond's introductory comments are touching. He says that he's still hungry, actually starving. For over a year he was consumed by this album, with birthing and nurturing each of the 12 songs. For 14 months he felt like he was at a pool party, deep underwater, hearing the chatter but absorbed in his own sphere. As I listen I remember well the moments and places where I purchased this album and played it for the first time. As I listen I know that Mr. Diamond is telling the truth. You can hear the heart(ache) that went into each of these songs. Or maybe that's just me.

Good Day Sunshine

The bell will ring in about a minute - the regular crowd will soon shuffle in. Nathaniel is first, looks over my shoulder, and takes umbrage at my taking Billy Joel's phrase. Jeremy, and Dani, and Josh follow, talking about stuff. Dani's just back from a loss in the family - may they know only comfort. Noa, and Elisheva, and Yarden are now here... Time to make the donuts. May G-d bless me and you and everyone with a great day.

Tzam'ah Nafshi

The West Side highway

Along the Hudson River

Provides quite a ride

A safe way to water ski

View New Jersey watching me

u

Parnassah Tovah

A prayer more real than ever

principal says

jj

Do Unto Others

~

I call him hero

Almost missed him next to me

Then showed him the book

"That's a collector's item"

- Rabbi Abraham Twerski

h

I think I have six

Inscribed books which I cherish

Each with a blessing

I choose the "non-Jewish" ones

It makes his eyes twinkle

P

Write?

I am enjoying Nancy Peacock’s book on writing, housecleaning, and life (as the subtitle puts it, and it’s actually what the book – A Broom Of One’s Own – is about). On page 39 she gets into the essential meaning of writing.

“I believe that just the act of writing,

of processing on paper and recording my truth

has eased me into the acceptance of vulnerability…

Writing can help. Even if you don’t long for publication,

just the act of exploring yourself

can take you deeper and deeper into your soul.”

TG

I enjoy teaching 23 classes a week. I also am blessed to be director of Torah Guidance. I just met with two students, and meet with somewhere between 10 and 20 a week. The students I just met with are great kids and it was a pleasure talking with them.

"Make it a haiku"

One of the kids says to me

about this poem

But I'll go with a tanka

Thanking G-d for His blessing

Spinning Wheel (Click For Lyrics Link)

Here's what I wrote last year on Ki Tissa. And here's a post from that same weekend, one year ago today on the Jewish calendar (I think I'd like to change the "my" in the last line of the haiku to "a").

Uri asked where Rabbi Twerski wrote the ideas I cited in his name. I couldn't find it. He just came out wit a new book, The Sun Will Shine Again. He writes the same ideas, based on Rav Chaim Shmuelewitz, addressing the downfall of The Eigel and applying it to our life today (pages 13-14). It's a beautiful, little book that I picked up at the Y.U. seforim sale for $7.19.

A friend of mine shared the following with me and gave me permission to post it. At some point I'd like to expand. I find this to be quite profound.

My son X has an airplane that is tied to a string and connected to the ceiling. You turn on the string and the plane gathers momentum, goes very fast, and flies in a circle. Very cool. However….. with all that speed and energy, the plane in the end only goes in a circle because it is tied to the ceiling.

Bnei Yisrael, with all their energy and excitement upon leaving Mitzrayim end up going no where. Long after they leave, they are still “in Mitzrayim” serving the idol of the Eigel. In many ways, they were right back where they started!

Who among us does not have “strings attached”? Even though we work hard, we go no where because we’re still tied to something, some idea that prevents them from breaking that string and really flying.

When Will I Realize?

Question

How is one to reconcile "אין חבוש מתיר עצמו מבית האסורים" - "A person can not break himself out of prison" on the one hand and (the dramatic ending line of the story of אלעזר בן דורדיא - Elazar ben Dordia) אין הדבר תלוי אלא בי - "The matter of repentance depends only on me."

(Perhaps at a later time I'll provide more of the context of these two concepts. Hopefully for now the basic meaning of each statement and the apparent contradiction between the two thoughts is clear enough for you, dear reader, to consider the question and come up with a thoughtful response). (It is possible that more information is needed).

There was light, happiness, gladness, and joy.

Maybe I'll get pictures up here. Today was the Shushan Purim shpiel. We made a video (we, the teachers) about our students going back and experiencing our school in different eras. Rabbi David Goldfischer is an extremely talented cinematographer / director / editor and he and the brilliant Rabbi Jonathan Feldman wrote a clever, funny movie. The rest of us acted our little hearts out. There was a competition for costumes. I was asked to pick the winner, though I told the dear colleague who asked me that there should be a beis din of three. Given that the discussion took place after I was called up on stage and it was announced suddenly that I was the judge, the odds weren't good that there would be any changes. Included in the finalists were Sarah Palin, a clever 2 sided cereal box, and Mr. Gottlieb. The audience applause on both polls were loudest for the same person and that's who I went with - Barack Obama. The grand prize was dinner for 4 at Mike's Bistro. The band for the day was Schlock Rock. They opened with Achashveirosh and did hits like Minyan Man and YoYo Yo Yarmulke. A lot of kids who know that I rhyme all the time said that I should go up during the rap song. So, due to popular demand (really - my major rule about getting up on stage is simply that someone ask) I got up and did some improvised free style about Purim, etc. The response was positive.

Tanka Of The Day

Purim wonderment:

Why not stick with good old prose?

Poetry of "chance"?

Poetry of Providence?

Answer: Life is poetic.

My How Time Does Fly

Rabbi Raz Hartman spoke in NY recently about process and creation and Purim. I think he said that nature failed before man failed, according to the medrash. The tree was supposed to equal the fruit in taste, but due to disobedience to G-d this changed. Originally, the point wasn't just the literal fruit, it all was equal. So too with Purim, we celebrate the process, the miracles in between, even though one could be cynical and say not much changed in the end, as we were still subordinate to Achashveirosh.

I don't know that I can ever appropriately express my gratitude to the book fair for a good cause where I bought so many gems. I just started A Broom of One's Own, which cost me 2 dollars - brand new 2008 book in perfect condition. After writing two critically acclaimed novels she penned a book about being a writer and a house cleaner. After her books came out people assumed that she was buddies with Oprah and was rolling in money. No. She warns people to be careful around their house keepers, or to clean their own homes, because you never know... She is an excellent writer. The prologue is not the best example of the writing in the book, but although it's sad, I think it's a great little story that speaks volumes:

Two women are walking down the road

and pass a frog sitting in the grass. "Hey," says the frog.

"Wow. It's a talking frog," says one of the women.

She picks the frog up and holds it in her hand.

The frog says,"Listen, I'm not really a frog.

Actually, I'm a critically acclaimed writer.

A spell was cast on me and I was turned into a frog.

But if you kiss me I'll turn back into a critically acclaimed writer."

"Well, I'll be darned," says the woman, and puts the frog in her pocket.

Her friend asks, "Aren't you going to kiss it?"

And she answers, "Heck,no.

I'll make a lot more money with a talking frog."

I wrote recently that I was half considering giving away books that would be hard to part with. Shortly after that post appeared I actually passed three non-fiction books forward, hopefully to be appreciated by a memoir fan. One similar work I hope to keep on my shelf and to read and reread throughout however much life G-d grants me is Father Joe. I just searched within the blog to see if I ever wrote about how much Father Joe meant to me. I didn't. What I found was a shout out in which I asked if anyone reading this blog had read that work. I got no affirmative answer to the question. But that post from 2005 did get one comment. And here it is:

Sometimes I read your blog and think: How is it possible that this smart, talented person is not married? But I realize that those of us who are a bit different take longer to find our perfect match. You're not just the average, everyday haiku-writing, well-read, comedian-rabbi.

Thank you my friend.

Purim is time for prayers to be answered, time of reflection...

"This Is One Of Those Restaurants That You Know Will Last"

k

Who do you blame?

A first date asked me

Ninety seconds after

we sat down in La Kasba

~

She went on to say -

Some guys blame girls

Some girls blame guys

Some blame G-d -

~

Who do you blame

for not being married (at 29)?

I didn't want to talk about it

She wanted an answer

~

So I told her that I didn't blame

I saw it as what it was

A combined result of my actions

(And inactions) and Providence

~

She said, That's great, but

will you say that when you're 40?

Young I asked her on another date

And she said no

~

It's late at night and I'm alone

It's still me and G-d

That's my story and

for now, I'm sticking to it.

l

-------------------------------------------

l

The time has come to say good night,
My how time does fly.
We’ve had a laugh, perhaps a tear,
and now we hear good-bye.

~
I really hate to say good night,
for times like these are few.
I wish you love and happiness,
In everything you do.

~
The time has come to say good night,
I hope I’ve made a friend.
And so we’ll say “May God bless you,”
Until we meet again.
;
- Red Skelton

Job Idea

It drives me crazy how I edit and re-edit and spell check again and then again. Only to finally post and find that it says hat instead of that, or tanks instead of thanks and as I fix and re-publish the mistakes seem to multiply like rabbits. So if you want to work out a deal, a reasonable fee, to be my extra pair of eyes, please let me know.

Baruch HaShem

I took a post seudah nap, am feeling pretty good- thank you very much.

Rabbi Abraham Twerski writes, for good reason, with great passion:

"There is no occasion on which excessive drinking should be sanctioned. I meet with the objection, 'But isn't it a requirement to get drunk on Purim?' My answer is a resounding and unequivocal "NO!" Our authority is Rema, who states that by drinking just a bit more than one is accustomed to, and then taking a nap, one will thereby fulfil the requirement of not distinguishing between "Cursed is Haman and blessed is Mordechai" (Orach Chaim 695:2). The Chafetz Chaim in Mishneh Brurah (*5) comments, 'This is the proper thing to do."

Rabbi Twerski goes on to write in more stark language than I recall ever seeing him use elsewhere, and states something that is stronger than anything I've ever seen anyone else write on this topic:

Anyone who wishes to surpass the piety of the Chafetz Chaim and drink more than the Mishneh Brurah designates must prove that he is equally superior to the Chafetz Chaim in all other aspects of his behavior." (The Enemy Within, Shaar Press, 2002, pages 174-175)

Rabbi Twerski goes on to call upon "rabbis and heads of yeshivos" to speak out against and put a stop to excessive drinking at affairs, on Simchas Torah, and on Purim. He says, "It is not that everyone that gets drunk on Purim is an alcoholic." He feels that over drinking has become commonplace and he is familiar with the disastrous consequences and sees it as necessary to show that it is not condoned.

A few years back The New York Times had some Jews squirming when it published a relevant article with these opening lines: "Last weekend, many Jews celebrated Purim, which commemorates their salvation from the hands of a wicked king's minister, Haman, in ancient Persia, by getting drunk. In fact, it is considered a mitzvah to drink immoderately on the holiday, one of the happiest in the Jewish calendar. So why was the Orthodox Union, the umbrella group for Orthodox synagogues in North America, sponsoring advertisements in Jewish publications that said, "Friends don't let friends drink irresponsibly on Purim"?

Purim - Galut Choices

It's touch and go but I have Internet at home!

I googled Purim and was struck by this

hot off the press personal piece from the Jerusalem Post.

Purim: On Deadline

My Internet is down and the library closes at 5:30...

Random thoughts till deadline arrives: The Rama writes that if you have minor pain, like eye aches you don't have to fast today (Taanis Esther). he adds though, that you have to make it uo on another day. The Mishne Brurah cites an opinion that says that a nursing or pregnant woman need not make up the fast because the obligation never falls into place for them. On the other hand someone with a minor illness becomes temporarily exempt, but must do the fast on another day. I wonder why you don't hear more about this?

I am fond of the idea of the Ari-zal that Yom Kippur is called Yom Ke-Purim, because Purim has something over Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur we pull away from activities that could bring us to sin, and thus achieve purity. On Purim we dive in to eating and drinking and joking (oh my!). It is indeed a holy day if we can sanctify the venues that are opened for us on Purim.

This is also one of my favorites: The story of Purim took place over many years and during that time things went from point A to point Z. By making it into a holy volume of TANACH the rabbis ran the risk of isolating this book from people's real lives. This, according to Rabbi Chaim Schmuelewitz explains why one rabbi suggested that Megilat Esther not be canonized.

The idea is that if any of us would keep a diary over many (13?) years we would see the miraculous progression of events. We must remember that we could all write our own miraculous journal of G-d's hidden hand guiding our life, our own Megilat Esther.

The last chapter of the Megillah reads like a newspaper. There are taxes levied; that's the top news story. Then there's a summation and that's a wrap. Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky suggests that this news item feel of the short final chapter of Megilat Esther serves to remind us to find G-d in seemingly banal events.

We need to see G-d's hand in the daily news. We need to see G-d as our history is being written. These are words that are easy to write but hard to obey. I pray on this Purim day to have more faith for real. in the deepest way. How sweet it must feel to truly and consistently trust and feel G-d's hand in every step of one's life.

Pre-Mincha

I pray for a prayer

I have hopefulness for hope

I believe in faith

Free Style.

Today I teach periods 1,2,3,5,6. School lets out today after 6. Then Jewish Studies staff will be meeting about our Purim spiel. I put on some light instrumental music after third period and stepped out to the facilities and when I returned I discovered that a new class has been placed in my room for fourth period (Monday? Every day?) which I was only told about by the teacher of that class who was wondering if anyone told me she'd be moving in during my free period.

I'm in a new/old Bat Cave processing and breathing in my pause along the line of 6 periods in a row. Kids are talking outside of Teacher Room C, unaware that you can hear everything through the door...

Classes were filled with moments. Thank G-d for moments. We discussed some of the headlines and myths from the previous posts. I cited the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch's statement that if you fast but spend the day like any other day, doing mundane activities, then you've embraced the tafeil and rejected the ikar. Sarah asked, sincerely, "If you fast and will veg out all day, but if you ate a bit would be more able to do teshuva, what should you do?" That was a moment.

Another moment: Adam knew that the 3 day fast that Esther set up was actually in Nissan and went into Pesach. And another: Elisheva said that she honestly felt that if people didn't fast, they would not treat the day as a day of teshuva. That's the first time I've heard a student say that. Some students told me they were tired of hearing about NOT drinking on Purim, they had a class on the subject that they felt was over the top. We discussed the issue.

We offer our flesh

as a sacrifice to G-d

We try to answer

Teshuva means an answer

May we be blessed with answers

Purim Headlines

Here are some Purim headlines. Explanations available upon request.

The fast (date), why, custom of three days, the leniency (make up day), why? Ikar/Tafel, added tefilot

The importance and time frame of megillah reading - surprising strictness, who is obligated, blessings (3/2)-, etc...

14 VS 15

Prayer additions -

Mitzvot of the day

Why the megillah was almost not canonized, why no name of G-d in Megilah, how to apply the day to our lives, Yom Ke-Purim - inverse relationship of days, Purim vs Chanukah, relevance of these days today, drinking (NOT) ...

Torah Trivia/My Day/Myths and Facts

1. What is the one place in the Torah where g-d is referred to as Hashem?
2. What seasonal pasuk is comprised of five two letter words?
3. What prophet was thrown in a muddy pit?
4. What daf in masechet Shabbos contains Rav Shimon bar Yochai's story? Why is this cool?
5. How many blatt are in masechet Shavuot? Why is this cool?

-----------------------------------

I heard Rabbi Abraham Twerski speak in my neighborhood today. I sat in the front row and it took me a minute, as I was waiting for the speech to start, to notice that he was sitting next to me. I asked him to sign Do Unto Others for me and he told me it's a collectors item. He spoke powerfully and to the point. He cited the Slonimer Rebbe as saying that there can only be one primary goal in life. We live in a time when our own pleasure has become the number one goal for many people. This presents a big challenge to folks who try to be G-d fearing. He applied this to many situations in a blunt but not unkind way. I took a lot of notes and hope to type up the talk one day. During the presentation he referenced my little chat with him before the speech - that was maybe my favorite part.

------------------------------------

Purim Myths and Facts (from independentfrumthinker.blogspot.com) (click on link to see the original post with all the feisty comments) . I am posting these as points of interests; please let's not be mefuraz umefurad over this - it's just food for thougt as a fast day approaches)

As I was preparing spiritually for the holy day of Purim, I compiled a list of Purim myths and facts, which I would like to share with my readers.Please feel free to add your own, which assuming I agree, I will add to the post.

1 –Myth – Ta’anis Esther is in commemoration of the three day fast that Esther declared before entering Achashveirosh’s quarters.

Fact – It is a commemoration of the fast that the Jews fasted on the thirteenth of Adar, the day on which they fought their enemies. It is named after Esther since she is an example of someone whose Tefilos were answered. (Tur Orach Chaim 686, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 141:2, & Mishna Brurah 686:2).

2 –Myth – The reason Hashem punished the Jews by allowing Haman to threaten them with annihilation was because they took part in Achashveirosh’s party.

Fact – They were punished for bowing down to the idol of Nevuchadnetzar. (Gemorah Megillah 12a).

3 –Myth - The two foods of Mishloach Manos must be of two different Brachos, otherwise they are considered as one.

Fact – As long as they are two distinct foods, even two types of meat, they are considered as two. (Gemorah Megillah 7b, Rambam Hilchos Megillah 2:15).

4 –Myth – One should spend more on Mishloach Manos than on Matanos L’Evyonim.

Fact – It is better to spend more money on Matanos L’Evyonim than on Mishloach Manos, since bringing joy to downtrodden people is a greater Mitzvah. (Rambam 2:17).

5 –Myth – One is obligated to get drunk on Purim.

Fact – Not necessarily. Although there are those Rishonim who rule that way, many others argue and rule that one should simply drink more than he is accustomed to and then nap a little. (Rambam 2:15, Shulchan Aruch and Rema 695:2, Mishna Brurah 695:5, & Aruch Hashulchan 695:5).

6 –Myth – Haman’s daughter, after realizing that she dumped a pail of refuse on her father’s head, jumped off the roof.

Fact – She actually fell off the roof, apparently from shock, and not that she committed suicide. (Gemorah Megillah 16a).

7 –Myth – Achashveirosh was simply fooled by Haman and felt no dislike towards the Jews.

Fact – He hated the Jews just as much as Haman, and was happy to get rid of them. (Gemorah Megillah 14a).

8 –Myth – Haman had ten sons.

Fact – There are actually three opinions. He either had thirty, ninety, or two hundred and eight. Apparently Megillahs Esther refers to his ten higher-ranking sons, though he had more. (Gemorah Megillah 15b).

Haiku Of The Day

Pacing means so much

I miss my tortoise and hare -

some thoughts during prayer

Rabbi David Weiss HaLivni On Jewish Humor - Part I

"From Grandfather, I believe, I inherited my sense of humor, which stood us both in good stead in times of trouble. During the evening Talmud lessons that he taught, Grandfather used to exchange jokes with his students as an occasional relief from close to two hours' concentration on difficult Talmudic subjects and their interpretation. I listened, spellbound and with great pleasure, although eventually the jokes became repetitive and a little stale. Grandfather was really a raconteur, possessing a rich repertoire of jokes and knowing how to use them. He did not contribute new jokes, nor was he apt to create humorous situations or comical remarks, but he had a good memory; whatever jokes he heard or read he remembered, and he had the ability to recall them at the appropriate moment. The same can be said of me; I must have acquired the ability from him."

Today Rav Herschel Schachter told a story today about a YU student that once walked into the BM on Shabbos, right on time for davening...wearing tefillin. No-one, including Rav Schachter said anything to him. Until. Rav Dovid Lifshitz (ZT"ZL) walked in, and saw, and approached the boy. He gently told the fellow that we don't wear tefillin on Shabbos. The kid explained that he had a nevuah in which he was told to put on tefillin. Rav Dovid asked him what language the voice he heard used to address him. "English," the boy answered. Rav Dovid explained that it was not a legitimate prophecy, because real prophecies are always in Hebrew. And the boy took the tefillin off.

Rav Shachter cited the comment of Chazal that Shlomo HaMelech was wiser than all men - even shotim. Rav Schachter explained that it takes great wisdom to know how to speak to all people.