As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, the three weeks, and within them, the nine days, are some of the saddest days on the Jewish calendar. Many of the calamities that have befallen the Jewish people (and oh, have there been a lot of those) originated from events that occurred during this time period. These sad… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Speaking well of others
Did you know that reincarnation is a Jewish belief? Sure is. It’s mentioned in numerous places in our mystical texts, beginning with the Zohar. I heard somewhere (how’s that for a source . . . if you want actual sources, here are some articles from Aish.com, Torah.org and Chabad.org on the topic) that at this… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Who were you in your past life?
When I was first learning all about how to fast on these minor fast days, it seemed like I would remember all the halachos and details forever. I mean, it’s halacha, right? So since it’s important I should remember everything always, or so I thought at the time. Well, as the years go by, I… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Shiva Asar b’Tammuz Review
Okay, no pun intended, though I am decidedly on the “right” wing of Judaism. Hahaha. Really, this post is about assessing what direction you (or me) are moving in. In seminary I learned that if you’re not moving up spiritually, you’re moving down. There is no such thing as a plateau. But, hey, no pressure,… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Going in the Right Direction
It’s beautiful out today. This is even nicer considering the amount of rain we’ve had here for the past few weeks (a lot). So, we went for a walk, ran an errand and played at a playground. It was really enjoyable and relaxing. I appreciated being able to walk with my boys without the pressure… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Do it now
I’d like to thank my toddler for napping and my baby for entertaining himself, which is how I had time to write today’s Torah Tuesdays post. Boys, you’re the best! I was looking at some notes I took from a class on Koheles (Ecclesiastes) that I took with Rebetzin Heller, back in the day when… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Choose who you become
We’ve been having some off days over here. The sink’s been broken since Motzei Shabbos, and it has remained broken despite my, and my landlord’s, best efforts at fixing it. A professional is coming tomorrow morning. The kitchen is a disaster. I still haven’t caught up on laundry since returning from our trip to Memphis,… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Even when you don’t feel like it
It is, of course, old news now that Osama bin Laden was killed. After seeing the rumors fly around on Facebook statuses (stati?), I confirmed the news on Cnn.com. My initial response was to be relieved that he will no longer be able to do evil, but to not be overly public about my feelings. … Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: the downfall of our enemies
Because of our concert on Sunday (it was GREAT!!!! Maybe even worth six exclamation points!!!!!!), my whole week feels off by one day. I almost didn’t realize that it was Tuesday! Thankfully, I did, and here is the latest TT post: I talk a lot when I’m nervous. It’s almost involuntary. While I am able… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: Thinking before speaking
This is going to be a short one, as I am totally exhausted right now! Less than two weeks until the concert. Whoa! With physical possessions, once you give something away, it’s not in your possession anymore. If you start off with two apples, and you give one apple to your husband, you only have… Continue reading Torah Tuesdays: The more you give, the more you have
Rivki Silver ~ thoughts & music 