Mendy Herson

How quickly can you recall – with some specificity – what you did yesterday? Sure, you can probably do it, but how long will it take you? How about last Wednesday? If you're like me, you spend a lot of energy responding to responsibilities of the moment, ...

In anticipation of Sinai, the Jews spent weeks finding their best selves and reshaping their perspectives on life. But, as they approached that sacred ground, they needed the strength for another step.

As we travel our path to self-betterment, we need an occasional wake-up call. The startling flash of recognition can obliterate our mental fog, But the mental clarity itself isn’t change. It’s just the beginning...

The third Lubavitcher Rebbe was approached by a disciple who was bothered by agnostic thoughts. “Why does this trouble you?” the Rebbe asked him. “Because I’m a Jew!” the man exclaimed. “In that case, you’re doing fine,” the Rebbe replied.

What animates me? What perks me up and gets my blood pumping? What thoughts come to mind when nothing else is taking up my brain space?

Matzah represents faith, because to have faith takes recognition that one can’t control everything. It’s okay to let go. So, G-d told the Jews to find a matzah mentality, in order to leave their personal Egypt. It wasn’t easy...

After such an interface with the Divine, how could they have transferred their loyalty to an idol? The Talmud responds by telling us that the Jews were, in fact, above this unseemliness. So what happened?

The Jews didn’t back down. They were worried; they prayed, they fasted and they stressed. But their commitment was strong, and they were ultimately saved. Beautiful narrative. But how is that my story?

Why the kiss? I had just expressed loving and encouraging words. What made me shift my mode of expression from the verbal to the physical?

What if I have stresses that I can't ignore? Should I stick my head in the sand and just smile? Happiness isn't that simple...