Isru Chag

Did you know that the Gemorah says that you're not supposed to cut your nails on Thursday because the growth becomes recognizable on Shabbos and it's considered disrespectful to Shabbos? I did not know that.

From time to time in this setting I've spoken in questions. Do you remember that? How much are we supposed to think about everything we do? Is that a traditional Jewish approach? How much does clothing matter? Is it appropriate to wear nice, sporty. stylish, clothes? How many questions were included in the previous one? What do you think of this piece and the comments on it? You are on the jury, how do you vote?

Are you a fan of NPR? How about that morning news? Hmm?

Hey Soterios

I'm curious about you

I mean your first name

It's an unusual one

Especially with Johnson

The Ramban (whose writings generally comprise Jewish Beliefs 101) says that the point of big miracles is to remind us of constant small miracles, ones that we give names like nature and life. life (last part mine). I'm thinking that the point of Yom Tov is for it to spill over into the long chain of day to day that follows. I hear frum people talking as though they want to shake off Yom Tov and move on and that doesn't sit comfortably with me.

Are you an INFP? Why are you religious/spiritual - if you are? I think the inclination toward or away from a focus on practice or a focus on meaning has a lot to do with personality. What do you think? I think that anyone reading this seriously and more-so anyone that answers tends to be intuitive, feeling, values inclined, possessing one's own compass, wanting to know the meaning of life and make the world a better place kind of person (INFP).

When many Jews I know quote a Chasidish vort, they call it that. They don't know who said it so they say some Rebbe said it. This seems disrespectful to me. It would be like saying an African American man once said, "I have a dream."

I spent Yom Tov praying for many hours in a Chasidish dynasty's satellite shul in Monsey. I'd call it a Shtiebel but that would give the wrong impression because that term is generally used colloquially and imprecisely. The rabbi of the shul is the brother of the Rachmastrivka Rebbe. It was great.

This may seem like an abrupt stop but I need to step out and want to stop and start fresh. Till later, G-d bless.