All Entries in the "Uncategorized" Category
All Doing the Same Thing – A Shavuos Observation
Sometimes, I wonder if there is any individual choice anymore. Are we all doing things just simply because everyone else is doing it? This past Shavuos, I noticed people lots of people doing what everyone else was – or what is known as – "Following the Herd". Here are some examples: Everyone was learning שטרות [...]
What Do You Do?
Every time someone asks me that question, “What do you do?” I wince and reply, “I’m still learning.” Why do I wince? Somehow, I feel that my response leaves the impression that I am unfinished, or incomplete. The truth is that most people feel somewhat uncomfortable answering that question, especially businessman with “investments”. But what [...]
Is Parnossa the Wife’s Responsibility?
My wife told me that when she speaks with her friends, they all agree on this point. They all feel that it is their duty to bring in parnossah for the family, and if they c”v lose their job, the pressure is on them, as the breadwinners of the family, to replace the income lost. [...]
Learning for Money
Is Torah Learning all for money? I tutor at night to be able to pay the bills. In shul with my talmid, I see scores of others doing the same. Even highly acclaimed rabbeim are using their time at night to make extra money by tutoring, preparing boys for bar mitzva, or learning with baalei [...]
An Overheard Conversation
It’s not usual that I listen in to the ladies chattering, but this was a topic that I could relate to (it had nothing to do with labor or shaitels!). I was at my in laws’ house over Pesach, and my wife’s younger sister (who’s husband works, and never really was much into learning) was [...]
My Secret Life – A Horrible Affair
I am trying to figure out the source of my misgivings, why am I so unsure of myself and my occupation of life – The Life of Torah? כי הם חיינו! But I must be honest with myself. I do have a secret love affair, one that is the cause of my distress and doubt. [...]
What is Kollel all About Anyways?
I know, the question itself is pure kefira. But that is something that crosses my mind countless times a day, when I am awake, at night trying to fall asleep, or during davening. What is the goal of spending so many years in Kollel? I am a 29 year old yungerman in Lakewood, having spent [...]
