Parasha Insights - Chabad of Great Neck

DO YOU HAVE DOUBTS IN YOUR LIFE?

Friday, June 28, 2024 - 6:00 AM

My wife left me because I am insecure.
No wait, she's back. She just went to get coffee.
A fat old man looks at himself in the mirror.

It is one of the most tragic episodes of the Jewish people’s journey from Egypt to Israel. After the debacle of the golden calf, after being ambushed by Amalek (Octber 7)…, after national mourning for the death of Aaron’s (our Soldiers) sons, still the Jews are on the cusp of entering the promised land.

There is just one more thing to do. They have heard about this legendary land from their grandparents. Moshe has painted for them a picture of a land flowing with milk and honey, a place to call home after centuries of slavery and wandering. All that’s left is … Read More »

WHO WILL TEACH OUR CHILDREN WHAT SACRIFICE MEANS?

Friday, June 21, 2024 - 2:06 PM

The KGB comes to the Goldman house in Communist Russia.

“Does Yankel Goldman live here?” he asks.
“No,” replies Goldman.
“Well, then, what is your name?” “Yankel Goldman.”
“Wait a minute–didn’t you just tell me that Goldman doesn’t live here?”
“Aha,” says Goldman. “You call this living?”

The Jewish people have spent almost a full year at Sinai. It is time to move on and continue the journey into the Promised Land. The hopes are high. All is going according to the plan. At this point, the Torah in our portion Behaalotecha chooses to relate a fascinating exchange between Moshe and his father-in-law: Jethro has arrived at the… Read More »

WISHING YOU A CHAG SAMEACH

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 2:04 AM

Please accept our invitation to have you and your family over this Wednesday for a delicious dairy lunch buffet with cheesecake and an ice cream party for the children!

The holiday of Shavuot is arguably one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar. It's right up there with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Passover. This is the day that we became G-d's Chosen People, chosen to be a light unto the nations.

This is the day that G-d brought us to Mt. Sinai and chose us, a tiny nation, as the people to receive His most precious gift - The Ten Commandments and the Torah.

This year, Shavuot is celebrated beginning Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 11. We will be up all night studying Torah with classes for me… Read More »

Counting as an Expression of Love

Friday, June 7, 2024 - 1:38 AM

Five minutes left in the exam, and the proctor calls out, "Finish up, people." Everyone starts writing conclusions, one guy keeps writing. The proctor calls out, "Time's up. All papers in." Everyone who hasn't finished brings up their papers. One guy just keeps writing. The proctor sees him, and says, "I said 'Time's up.' Get your paper in now, or I'll have to disqualify your exam." The guy keeps writing. The proctor gathers all the exams into a big pile, looks at the guy writing, and says, "That's it, then. Your exam is disqualified."

The guy seems unfazed, finishes, checks the paper and carries it to the front. The proctor shakes his head and says, "Sorry. I told you I won't accept your exam.&… Read More »