Tonight, Saturday night is when the holiday of Shvuot, the Feast of Weeks, begins. It means I- and a bunch of other Jews- are going to spend all night long studying. Just like the Jews did on the first Shvuot, when we (we are supposed to consider ourselves to have been at Sinai when the Tora was given) received the 10 Commandments.
Continue reading All night long!
Today is one of those days that I wish my kids still lived at home. I really miss my kids. Especially today, because it would be the day we’d take off and have a picnic. On the National Mall. At Mount Vernon. At McIntyre Park. Because today is Lag B’Omer.
Continue reading 17 more to go…
A long time ago, there was a riddle (joke?) that explained the vagaries of American jurisprudence.
Imagine approaching an intersection- one without a traffic light, a stop sign, or a yield sign. (I told you this was a long time ago.) 
Approaching in front of you is an ambulance with lights flashing, from your left a police car with sirens blaring, and on your right an approaching mail-coach. Which vehicle has the right of way?
Believe it or not, it was the US Mail coach. The US Government had arrogated to itself and its agencies the right of way in all situations.
Continue reading Postal Service?
I know, I know. You thought my holiday was over. But, tonight is the 7th day of Pesach (Passover). So I- and my guests- will still be crunching on our matza. And, during tonight’s festive meal, we will parse the question of why the 7th day (and the 8th for those who don’t live in Israel) is celebrated as a special day.
How many of those who voted for TheDonald really thought through what they were doing? Or, did they just think he was so impulsive that he’d shake up our government?
You know, almost every Friday night, I have a bunch of friends and acquaintances over to share a meal. Because it is the holiday of Shabat, the day the Supreme Being rested- and that means so do we.
Continue reading The 15th? Not the 14th?
Tonight starts one of my children’s favorite holidays, Purim (“Lots”). It also helped set my life’s compass. (I’ll explain this later.)
Continue reading Foiled Again?
It’s Black History Month. And, I wrote about Freedom House (1315 Duke Street, Alexandria) a year ago. During its 33 years of operation, some 1 million slaves were sold or traded from this building. Interestingly, these actions occurred even when Alexandria was part of the District of Columbia- Alexandria rejoined the Commonwealth in 1847, after 58 years of Federal Control. (The slave house actually operated from 1828 to 1861; that operation ceased when the US government forcibly took control over the city of Alexandria at the start of the Civil War.)
I was reading the Washington Post the other day , when it was discussing a study group that spent 22 years reviewing the Tora (the Five Books of Moses), under the direction of their rabbi, Rav Stuart Weinblatt. Which reminded me of what actions a group of us from my old synagogue accomplished.
Let me repeat that. For most of you, I am not your financial professional. I suggest you contact your professional to discuss what I am proposing here.
Continue reading I’m NOT your advisor!
