By Aryeh Ben David For all the time and drama and words and prayers this month — it really is not so complicated. Let’s simplify it down to the most basic level: The month of Elul leads up to Rosh HaShana. Rosh HaShana leads up to Yom HaKippurim. Yom HaKippurim is called Yom HaSlicha Continue Reading »
By Aryeh Ben David (Article reprinted on Times of Israel, OU.org, JFS Seattle, eJewish Philanthropy, and Aish.com) I am taking the Broadway #1 train from Penn Station to Van Cortlandt Park in the late afternoon. Van Cortlandt Park is the last stop on the line. About three stops from the end, everyone in my car exits. Continue Reading »
By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka’s newsletter May 21, 2015 I wonder if people are excited about Shavuot. I’m excited about cheesecake and the walk to the Kotel. I’m excited about being with friends and wandering the streets of Jerusalem late at night. But am I excited about sitting in shiurim – ehh. Continue Reading »
By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka’s newsletter February 2, 2015 If there is one message of the Torah – if there is one idea the Torah is trying to convey to each of us – it is that we all have a calling. Abraham, the first Jew, was called. We are being called; Continue Reading »
By Aryeh Ben David Published in Ayeka’s newsletter December 4, 2014 A small victory – I didn’t judge anyone yesterday. In fact, I think I’m doing pretty good today too. I have always struggled with judging other people. Not only on the big issues – religion, politics, lifestyle – but also on the really Continue Reading »