Parasha Insights

Just before the banquet, the master of ceremonies was informed that the clergyman who was supposed to give the blessing was unable to attend. He asked the main speaker to give a blessing instead.

The speaker agreed and began, "There is no clergyman present, let us thank G-d."

You all know that rabbis are like salesmen. The main difference is that the salesperson sells you something you want but don’t necessarily need, while the rabbi sells you something you need but don’t necessarily want….

But perhaps, the time has come to join the two and “buy” something we both need and want.

This week’s Torah portion, Shemot, relates how Moses was chosen as the first and quintessential Jewish leader… Read More »

My daughter gave me a message to phone Ian at my bank. The operator asked me what Ian’s last name was and I explained that he hadn’t left his surname. When she asked for his department, I said I didn’t know.

“There are 1,500 employees in this building, sir,” she advised me rather curtly. “You must tell me a last name.”

After a few more brusque comments, I asked her name.

“Danielle,” she said.   “And your last name?” I asked.

“Sorry,” she replied, “we don’t give out last names.”

As Jacob's demise approached, he sent for his son, Joseph, the Prime Minister of Egypt, and requested of him to be buried in the ancestral burial place in the… Read More »