The Candy Man by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine More than 80 years of oppression had passed. Finally the Egyptians were being punished for enslaving the Jews. First the Nile was turned into blood; then a plague of frogs infested the land. Interestingly, when the frogs observed the directive to infest Egypt, the frogs went everywhere. They more »
Anonymous You by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine It was a very difficult time. The slavery in Mitzrayim was exceptionally harsh and was taking a terrible toll. Even those who were not physically enslaved suffered as the fledgling Jewish nation experienced wonton killings, beatings, and searches for Jewish boys to be killed. It was at this time more »
Who has the Band-Aids? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Our father Yakov shared his final words with his children. As he addressed the first three of the brothers he was full of rebuke. He told Reuvein, Shimon, and Levi, of significant events where they had acted wrongly. When it was time for Yehudah, the fourth brother, more »
Vayigash- Let Them Eat… Breakfast by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Finally there was reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers. After a separation of 22 years, Yosef sent an invitation to his father, Yakov, to join him in Mitzrayim. With the invitation Yosef sends wagons, so that Yakov would be properly provided for on his journey. The more »
“Dear Me,” : A Chanukah Message by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Paroh had a dream. In it he saw scrawny looking cows swallowing the fat cows. Paroh was troubled. He called all of his experts to interpret his dream because he felt that his dream needed an interpretation. Rav Shimon Schwab writes, “Anyone reading this section more »
Afraid to be Special by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine One of the core values that Yakov aimed to instill in the Jewish family is that each person is special and had a mission. The Shevatim/ Tribes that his children founded each stood unique with a particular attribute, and it was through their respective flags and personal more »
The Mother of all Coaches by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Torah relates how, as Yakov returned to the Land of Israel, “Devorah, the nanny of Rivkah, died,” and she was buried there. This simple verse presents a significant question. What was Devorah, the nanny of Rivkah, doing entering the Land of Israel together with Yakov? more »
Same Old 🙂 by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Yakov had to flee from his parent’s home. His brother Esav was angry with him and wanted to kill him. So flee he did. The Torah records the event. “And Yakov left Be’er Sheva, and he went to Charan.” Rashi asks: Why does the Torah have to tell more »
On the path of life… by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine “Behold I am going to die. Of what use is the firstborn status to me?” With these words Esav declared that his path of life was not the same as Yakov’s. What exactly was the firstborn status, and why did Esav see no use for it? more »
Noach-A Resilient People By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine “Noach was a good man.” That is clear from the Torah. Yet, the Talmud presents a discussion resulting from the words “a good man in his generation.” Some say this is meant to praise while others say this is meant to talk of a shortcoming. “In his generation,” more »