Akiva Calendar
Rabbi Grossman’s Corner
Parashat Ba-Midbar – Count your blessings
At a meeting the other evening, wanting to know if all the expected attendees were present, one of us counted, identifying each individual with a pointed index finger. A couple of us had a kind of instinctual prickle at the counting of Jewish people. Among certain...
Parashat Bekhukotai – Our covenant with God
My youngest daughter’s first words were “No waaay!” Adorable. Impossible not to laugh and smile and giggle and eat her every time she said it. Incredibly frustrating when I just want her to lie down or stop throwing her food on the floor. When I just want her to...
Parashat Behar – Humbly proud
“Can I get a glass of water?” “Can I have a spoon for my rice?” “I need a napkin.” “More spaghetti please.” When my children were little, I was firm about how they should sit at the table during meals. I kept them in booster seats longer than most because I wanted...
Parashat Emor – Is the mother always to blame?
We have a recurring joke in our family. I prepare a lavish, beautiful, delicious meal for 25 people and my husband comes to the table and asks, “Isn’t the turkey sliced perfectly?” In his own (special) way, he is commenting on the fact that I coordinated, cooked and...