As Only a Child Can by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The primary mitzvah of the night of the Seder is to communicate the story of the Exodus to the next generation. But in Jewish tradition it is understood that this will not be accomplished by being preachy. Instead a dialogue is created in which the “child more »
The Ten Minute Chazzan by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Chashmonoim- or Maccabees, as they are commonly called- were talented people planted in history at a critical time. They were known as scholars and priests, but they became military leaders and motivational speakers when the times required. Most interesting is the attribute ascribed to them in more »
On Communication by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are days of communication. “Seek Hashem when He is close,” refers to this special time. It is an opportunity to reflect, to reassess, and to take action. Our generation is a generation of communication. From texting to internet we feel empowered. more »
“Tickets Please!” A Pre-Rosh Hashana Message By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The period preceding Rosh Hashana is a time for rebuilding relationships. “Ani Lidodi V’Dodi Li,” I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me is the theme of these days. A key part of rebuilding a relationship with anyone is communication. The same more »
The Gift of Shavuos by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The holiday of Shavuos is known as the time when we received the Torah. It is an exciting commemoration, a special time. But there is one big question. The luchos [two tablets] that resulted from Shavuos were shattered when Moshe came down and saw the golden calf. more »
Where are you coming from? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Pesach seder revolves around one simple phrase. “Start with the negative, and conclude with the positive.” The Talmud records two views as to how this should be done, both of which are implemented in our hagadah. One view focuses on physical salvation and says, “We more »
Because I Love You… by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The holiday of Purim is a holiday of joy. But, beyond the external joys of food and festivity, the holiday represents a profound internal joy and happiness. On the verse (Esther 9:27), “The Jews established and accepted,” the Talmud teaches that, although the Jewish people had accepted more »
Eat, Drink…For Tomorrow By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The day preceding Yom Kippur is an anomaly on the Jewish Calendar. Although Yom Kippur is a solemn day, the day before it is a day of semi-celebration. We do not recite tachanun; it is a mitzvah to eat and drink. What is the significance of this day more »
The Leaves of Life by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine In less than twenty four hours the holy day of Rosh Hashana will begin. Rosh Hashana is known by its many facets. As the start of the new year, it is known as a day of judgment and reassessment. It is also the day that first man more »
A New Resolution by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine When Moshe was looking for a successor, G-d advised him that his student, Yehoshua, was the person of choice. Although there were many eligible people for the job, Yehoshua’s devotion until that point made him most suited for the position. “Yehoshua never left the Tent.” “The Tent,” refers more »