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Good Morning 11-1-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

When my mother died in 2013, it nearly broke my father. He and my sisters were there on her last night at home as Mom lay on her bed in agony, but hating the taste of the morphine swabs given to “take the edge off.” Dad lay on the bed next to her, sobbing with grief and unable to assist in anything that might cause Mom even an ounce more of pain. The promise Dad made to Mom was that they would not spend a single night apart no matter how difficult it might be. He would not put her … Continue reading Good Morning 11-1-26

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Good Morning 10-30-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

Where was Sarah? We just read about the Binding of Isaac and Sarah isn’t mentioned once. Where was she? Up until this point, she was involved in nearly all the big decisions. Abraham obviously told her they were to “lech lecha,” go forth, and she did. She went with Abraham to Egypt when there was a famine and told Pharaoh’s courtiers they were brother and sister. Same song, second verse with the King of Gerar. God protected her. When no baby came, despite all the promises from God, she was the one who suggested Hagar be their surrogate. Abraham gave … Continue reading Good Morning 10-30-26

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Good Morning 10-29-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

Tzvi Freeman asks a question in his Chabad.org column that is quite pertinent to this week’s parashah. He asks what is the difference between fanaticism and faith? We have plenty of fanatics in the world today. We have an entire set of folks who believe that if they can strap a bomb onto themselves and kill as many infidels as possible, with a focus on Jews, they will be rewarded in heaven. In fact, the Palestinian Authority will pay their family if they die in such fanatical efforts. While the official word is that they stopped their “pay-for-slay” policy last … Continue reading Good Morning 10-29-26

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Good Morning 10-28-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

You are likely all familiar with the feeding of the 5000 or 4000, depending on which gospel you are reading. But did you know there is a basis for that story? Both the Talmud and Midrash record miracles of provision by prophets Elijah and Elisha, such as Elisha feeding 100 men with 20 barley loaves (2 Kings 4:42–44). Is the Gospel account true or simply a magnification of an ancient story to prove another miracle? There is no indication in Scripture that the Messiah had to perform miracles. In fact, Deuteronomy 13 warns against following prophets who give false signs … Continue reading Good Morning 10-28-26

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Good Morning 10-27-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

Everyone likes a story with a good guy and a bad guy. We like our bad guys to be clearly identifiable — a Darth Vader or a Voldemort. And we want the good guy to win. However, the most interesting stories have shades of gray. Any Clint Eastwood character is my favorite good guy with a bad streak. Harry Callahan from the “Dirty Harry” franchise is a good example. He’s out there saving people, with no qualms about shooting the bad guy just to make his day. He plays the perfectly shadowy stranger with the checkered past who shows up … Continue reading Good Morning 10-27-26

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Good Morning 10-26-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

My dad used to say, “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” The older I get, the truer that phrase becomes. Getting old means dealing with aches and pains you’d rather not think about. It involves coming face-to-face with your own mortality as you realize there are far more many years behind you than there are before you. You think about, not so much the sorrow that comes with the deaths of those you know, but your own death. It’s definitely NOT for sissies. In this week’s portion, Vayera, we read what seems to be an obvious truth in Genesis 18:11. “Now … Continue reading Good Morning 10-26-26

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Good Morning 10-25-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

You may remember the 1995 Seinfeld episode in which the word “regifting” was popularized. The gist of the story is this: Jerry gives a pair of Super Bowl tickets to his dentist, Dr. Tim Whatley. In return, Whatley sends Jerry a label maker as a thank-you gift. Elaine recognizes the label maker as her own Christmas gift to Whatley and accuses him of being a “re-gifter.” The show about nothing explores the social awkwardness of receiving a gift that was previously given to someone else. In the end, Jerry discovered why Dr. Whatley gave the item to him. It turns … Continue reading Good Morning 10-25-26

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Good Morning 10-23-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

Have you ever prayed for something and God is just silent? Your prayers seem to get to the ceiling and stop. Is God ignoring you? Is He saying “No,” and you just don’t get it? Kids have interesting ways of dealing with being ignored or hearing “No” or “Not now.” Generally, it involves some kicking and screaming for the littles and more subtle but just as subversive activities for older kids. Oh, let’s be honest. As adults, we aren’t very good at handling being ignored or hearing “No.” We may not kick and scream — okay, not most of us … Continue reading Good Morning 10-23-26

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Good Morning 10-22-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

Family dynamics can be difficult. We talk about dysfunctional homes like they are an anomaly, but are they? Doesn’t each family have their own unique dynamics that cause hurt and pain to the relationships there? Uncle Bob is a character until he has a few too many drinks at Thanksgiving dinner. Your sister is unendingly annoying and so you avoid contact with her. You have a “black sheep” brother who can’t seem to fit in anywhere, not even at home. Fuel is added to the fire when alcohol, drugs, or criminality are introduced to the mix. Lech Lecha, the portion … Continue reading Good Morning 10-22-26

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Good Morning 10-21-26

I Am My Father's Daughter

We think we know how to spot a “bad guy.” They are the Harvey Weinsteins of the world, the men who prowl through bus stations looking for that young girl or boy who appears to be alone, afraid, vulnerable. They are the unsavory guys who hang out at the bar, their shirts unbuttoned to the middle of their chests, gold chains draped around their necks, firing pick-up lines at any girl who dares to make eye contact with them. We would like to think we could spot human traffickers, the ones who make a living selling men, women and children … Continue reading Good Morning 10-21-26