Bernard S. Antin's Blog – December 2009 Archive (4)

BEYOND BROTHERLY LOVE

The narrative is not necessarily what a text is intended to convey. The challenge in reading scripture is to be sensitive to the nuances of language that offer insight in to these personages’ personality and outlook. The personalities included in the text were placed there by G-D as role models for all generations. It would be difficult to dismiss the story as The Adventures of Joseph and his Brothers, with the record of their exploits being merely historic with no present tense… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 24, 2009 at 7:29am — No Comments

SEEING THE LIGHT

The popular generic explanation for Jewish holidays is “They tried to kill us/G-D saved us -LET’S EAT!” Certainly there is more to Chanukah than potato pancakes, latkes, Jelly doughnuts or even chocolate coins.



A quick observation from the holiday liturgy reveals a deep lesson. One recites each night a blessing that concludes “Who performed miracles in those days at this season” The Schulchan Aruch, The Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim Chapter 676:3 mandates that one who personally… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 17, 2009 at 7:33am — No Comments

A CHANUKA MOMEMT

Yossef as overseer in Potifar’s house encountered what could be called a Chanukah moment. Mrs. Potifar knew she was destined to have descendants from Yossef. However, Mrs. Potifar did not know if she or her daughter would be the one to marry Yossef. (See Rashi Bereshith 39:1) Mrs. Potifar though motivated with a noble purpose persisted in her attempts to seduce Yossef (39:6,10)



Finally, Yossef was about to succumb to his master’s wife’s advances and at would seem the last minute he… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 10, 2009 at 9:39pm — No Comments

THE FARE HOME

Bereshith 32:14-33:20 Ya’akov Our Father’s journey home is included in many prayer books as part of the prayers recited after the conclusion of the Shabbat. The Strasnitzer Rebbe ZT’L ZY’A as well as the Amshinover Rebbe ZT’L ZY’A among others observed this practice of reciting part of Parshat VaYshlach as preparation for a trip. In fact. Rabbi Yheudah Ashkenazi ZT’L ZY’A comments in his commentary on Schulchan Aruch ( B’air Haitaiv ,Orach Chaim Chap.299 note 14) that even though the ARI Z’L… Continue

Added by Bernard S. Antin on December 3, 2009 at 9:41pm — No Comments

Blog Topics by Tags

Monthly Archives

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

1999

We Cannot Attest for Google Ads. Report Non-Kosher Ads Here

Follow Us

Director

© 2013   Created by Rav Mitterhoff.

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service