When Life Doesn’t Turn Out the Way You Expected

When Life Doesn’t Turn Out the Way You Expected

In a “Frank and Ernest” cartoon, you see Frank rousing slowly from his sleep, then looking out at the sun coming up. He says dryly, “Well, the sun is rising in the east . . . so far, so good.” There is a beautiful story back in the book of Genesis. Abraham is complaining to …

My Cat Had A Better Death Than My Grandfather

I once heard someone describe the difference between a dog and a cat like this: You love your dog so you take care of it and feed it and give it treats. So your dog is grateful and it looks up at you and thinks to itself, “You must be God.” You love your cat …

The Mitzvah Of A Sustainable Life

There was once a powerful Japanese emperor who needed a new chief samurai. So he sent out a challenge throughout the land that he was searching for the best samurai in all the known world. When a full year had passed only three people had accepted the emperor’s challenge and came before him to win …

Mi Po Ani Lo Zaz – From Here I Am Not Moving

When Chaim Weizman, the modern founder of Zionism was once asked, “Why don’t you just accept the offer to establish a Jewish state in Uganda ?” He said, “That’s like me asking why you drove 50 miles to see your mother when there are so many other nice old ladies so much closer.” We drive …

The Curse of Blessings

“Once upon a time…” Just hearing the words our minds begin to soar – to far off places, distant galaxies, or childhood dreams. “Once upon a time…” – we hear the words and a shiver of anticipation runs down our spines, knowing that with a good story anything is possible. “Once upon a time…, Once …

EGO – Everyone’s Greatest Obstacle

EGO – Everyone’s Greatest Obstacle by Rabbi Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D. Kol Nidre 5767/2006 The great comedian Milton Berle used to have a host of one-liners about ego’s and egotists. He’d say, “Put two egotists together and you’ve got a case of an I for an I.” 0r my favorite, “He’s always me-deep in conversation!” …

To Stand In Awe Of Our Blessings

Last Friday as I came into the synagogue to prepare for Shabbat services, our Hazzan Sheni Beth was standing in the foyer with her husband, Ira and their 4 year old son, Jonah. Beth turned to Jonah and said, “Say Shabbat Shalom to the Rabbi, Jonah.” He looked up at me with that 4 year …

Feeling Safe In An Unsafe World

A guy gets a Labrador and he can’t wait to show him off to his neighbor. So when the neighbor comes over, the guy calls the dog into the house, bragging about how smart the little guy is and how incredibly trained he is. “Wait till you see this!” he says to his neighbor. The …