Rabbi’s Musings & Amusings

On the afternoon of the seventh day of Pesach, I realized that in Eretz Yisrael Pesach was over and they were already eating chametz. Far from being envious, however, I actually felt bad for them. I was more than happy to have one more day of Yom Tov, to say the Yom Tov Kiddush, and enjoy two more meals with my family, and to recite the magnificent words of Hallel and the Yom Tov Sh’moneh Esrei in its beloved tune. The pizza could wait another day. I would much rather be enveloped in the ethereal world of Yom Tov than to rush back into my mundane routine.

Recently, one of our neighbors joined us for a Shabbos seudah. The neighbor appreciates fine wine, and he gave us a bottle as a gift. It’s always a bit uncomfortable for me when I’m gifted with a bottle of wine, as the extent of my appreciation of wine doesn’t go much beyond Cream Malaga, Bartenura, and Asti. I do not understand when people swoosh their wine in their glasses or any other “wine etiquette.”

There have been some strange and unusual events in the last few weeks.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in March 1977 to carry the Baltimore Beltway (I-695) across the Patapsco River. The bridge bears an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually.

A friend who is a dentist gives mishloach manos full of huge cavity-inducing candies… and a business card.

In truth, there is more of a connection between rotted teeth and Purim than you may realize.

We live in crazy times. I don’t think anyone will argue with that. But I recently realized that I don’t ever remember a period in my life when people didn’t comment that we are living in crazy times.

I clearly recall sitting at a Shabbos table a few years ago when someone said exactly that.

Is it possible that our English teacher was right (or correct)? Could it be that punctuation really does make a difference in life and, in fact, could save lives?

Many are familiar with the difference between “Let’s eat Grandma” and “Let’s eat, Grandma.” The first is a grotesque form of cannibalism while the second depicts a lovely outing. So, it seems commas indeed save lives.