First, You Must Listen
Blind obedience is not a virtue in Judaism. God wants us to understand the laws He has commanded us
The Fewest Of All Peoples
Israel shows the world that a people does not have to be large in order to be great.
Picture Perfect
The answers, though, were out there, waiting patiently and shimmering in the distance until the One with all the answers decided to enlighten us.
The Orphan’s Prayer
Edward was completely mystified, yet had no choice but to obey his captain’s orders.
Moses: Leading And Teaching
When someone exercises power over us, they diminish us; when someone teaches us, they help us grow.
Masei: Why Is The End of Bamidbar So Anticlimactic? Part II
Parshat Masei: Rabbi Fohrman addresses the age-old question, are we our brother's keeper?
Leadership In Time Of Crisis
Ours is a small and intensely vulnerable people. Inspired, we rise to greatness. Uninspired, we fall
A Humbling Lesson (Part II)
The enormity of Hiram’s accomplishments crazed him and deluded him into self-deification.
The Ups And Downs Of Summer
It was found to be a giant deer tick living in her head – with its claws in her scalp.
The Test And The Reward
While daydreaming about finding the perfect job, I never expected to be rewarded in spades for my aforementioned experience.
Matot: Why Is The End of Bamidbar So Anticlimactic?
Over the next 2 weeks covering portion Matot and Maasei, Rabbi Fohrman will bring order to confusion.
The Beauty Of Green
Our home is in the center of the Holy Land, surrounded by (what else?) green hills and valleys.
Prescriptions For Conflict Resolution
The negotiation between Moses and the tribes of Reuven and Gad is a model of conflict resolution.
Parshat Pinchas: What Does It Mean To Be Zealous For God?
The midrash says that Pinchas, (this parsha), and Eliyahu, prophet of Kings, are one and the same.
Returning The Kindness
The simple act of kindness should be the reward itself. Anything more in the form of a reward is gravy.
The ‘Chance’ Encounter
Herman was speechless, yet the look in his eyes said it all. Indeed, his gratitude knew no bounds.
A Journey Worth Taking
A few seats away, I noticed a man with a Mishnah in hand, talking intently into a cell phone. I soon realized the man was participating in a Daf Yomi shiur, utilizing his traveling time well.
Chukat: Was Hitting the Rock So Horrible?
What was the small act of Moshe talking to the rock meant to teach the people of Israel?
Korach: Can We Influence God?
Is it possible for us to influence God?
The Lost Mezuzah
It’s written, it says, with all the segulos for shalom bayis and you gave it as a gift to a chassan and kallah.
A Humbling Lesson (Part I)
Thinking about how much we can do in comparison to what we have done serves as a corrective against pride and arrogance.
Shelach: Is Hope Irrational?
Are pessimists just rationalists, and is hope just naiveté?
A Tale Of Two Pigeons
As I listed the litany of tragedies, as I perceived them, my mother responded by saying: “Who’s had a terrible life? I’ve had a wonderful life. I had your father for 40 years until he was taken from us. I had you and your brother. I lived to see grandchildren.”
Parsha Behaalotchea: A Guide For…Parenting? Part II
Rabbi Fohrman delves deeper into the Priestly Blessing and its relevant lessons
Fasten Your Seat Belts!
Our son-in-law e-mailed tickets for us to print out and bring along to allow us admittance. Simple enough.
Parshat Naso: A Guide For…Parenting?
Is parsha Naso teaching us how we should treat our children?
The Siddur
“Daddy,” I exclaimed, “Is this how you daven?” Daddy’s response was a hearty laugh. I felt so proud of myself.
Breakfast And Happiness (Conclusion)
Separating fun from happiness can liberate, regarding (a) time, (b) money and (c) jealousy.
Bamidbar: Who Cares About Geneology?
Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher.
A Long Night’s Journey
There were two pokerfaced police officers standing at our door.