Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings

It is axiomatic that every holiday of the year has a specific avodah – a spiritual focus – often with physical actions, but at least conceptually. Each holiday is unique and strengthens a certain component of our religious identity. Our goal is that when the holiday concludes, we feel elevated and with renewed conviction in our faith and religious practice.

There are many beautiful daily Torah programs, including Daf Yomi, Mishnah Yomi, Tehillim Yomi, and Nach Yomi, among others. There is also a daily learning of the Rambam’s Mishnah Torah Yomi.

A few weeks ago, here at Camp Dora Golding, we had a special event packing boots for Israeli soldiers. It was under the auspices of a program called Boots for Israel. We were graced with a visit from Yakir Wachstock, the founder of the program.

A few weeks ago, we began having washing machine issues. Our washing machine would begin doing its thing perfectly; but somewhere towards the end of the cycle, it would stop. An error code would come up on the machine’s screen, and the machine began beeping annoyingly.

Thanks to advanced technology and AI, these days it is not difficult to produce fantastical images. In recent years, during the Tish’ah B’Av season, images circulate of the rebuilt Beis HaMikdash upon the Har HaBayis, a sight we hope to personally witness soon.

I only had the opportunity to meet Rav Moshe Wolfson zt”l once. Rav Wolfson was the Mashgiach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and the Rabbi of Congregation Emunas Yisroel in Brooklyn, and he was widely respected as a Torah leader. He passed away last week at the age of 99.