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Years ago, I heard about a man named Rabbi Meir Shuster, a fixture at the Kosel, who would scan the plaza looking for unaffiliated Jews visiting the Wall. He would approach them and politely ask them if they had the time. When they would reply, he would use that opening to gently engage them and convince them to attend classes about Judaism. It was said that he was the catalyst for bringing countless Jews back to their faith.

Among the list of things we take for granted is our dishwasher. What a gift to be able to place dirty dishes inside it, push a few buttons to run a cycle, and then open the door to find all the dishes fresh and clean.

To be a father entails fulfilling many roles. One of the most important of those unstated tasks is to be the family “opener.” During the summer months, it means opening your children’s ice pops. As any parent knows, that’s no easy feat. Some parents try to use a knife to cut off the top, which sometimes works but often doesn’t. Eventually, most fathers get frustrated and just bite off the top. If he’s not careful, he ends up with some splotches of the ices on his shirt. This is especially annoying on Shabbos, when he is wearing a white shirt and for the rest of the day everyone will know what kind of ices he had. Then there’s always that gnawing question of whether he should say a brachah before biting off the top. He doesn’t really want to eat it, but he did taste it.

dedicated in honor of Avi Staum’s graduation from the Yeshiva of Spring Valley

“And let me conclude, dear graduates, by saying that, as you go forth from the hallowed halls of our institution, know that life bears many vicissitudes and unknowns. But fear not! The educational fortitude you have received during your years here will stand for you in good stead. We are confident that you will be able to proceed into the vagaries of life with conviction and fortitude and to accomplish great things. Know this: The world is now open before you and you can become anything and do anything. Dream big, graduates, pursue your dreams, and make us proud.”

The story is told about a poor Jew in Europe who came home one day and told his wife that he wanted to eat blintzes, like the rich people. The wife replied that rich people eat blintzes because they can afford the ingredients.

I was the principal of Yeshiva Ohr Naftoli in New Windsor, New York, for six years. This year, I returned to seeing clients in private practice and left my position as principal. But it was a wonderful experience to be associated with such an esteemed and respected yeshivah.