Rabbi's Corner

I have often challenged students to go and ask fellow Jews if they could answer this question: What is Shavuot? Do you know that so many can't answer this question?

Shavuot is a major Jewish holiday, which is as important as Rosh Hashana and Pesach! This year it begins at sundown, Tuesday, May 30th and continues through June 1st.

What is this Torah holiday? It falls on the sixth and seventh day of the Hebrew month of Sivan,...Read more...

You are receiving this newsletter just shortly before Purim and a little over a month before Pesach. Both celebrations have inbuilt the mitzvah of Tzedakah. On Purim, we give matanot l’evyonim (gifts to the poor) and for Pesach we collect Maot Hittim (Money for Grain) to help needy Jews obtain provisions for Passover.  Beyond the holidays, I am sure that you already know how important Tzedakah is!

Below you see a portion of...Read more...

Can you believe it? The oldest man in the world is celebrating his Bar Mitzvah! Not only is this 113-year old Yisrael Kristal having his Bar Mitzvah ceremony, but he has made the Guinness Book of Records for being the oldest man. Moreover, Yisrael is a Holocaust survivor, and he lives in Israel! 

If you are wondering why he didn't he have any observance of his Bar Mitzvah at 13, the answer is that Yisrael Kristal experienced many...Read more...

It is hard to cope with our present world condition. There are overwhelming incidents of terrorist attacks and senseless murders. Our hearts grieve for each and every innocent whose life is snuffed out, because of causeless hatred. To rub salt into the wound, there is the chutzpah of the terrorists who proudly proclaim "responsibility" for these horrendous acts. I would like to amend their worthless words with a different term. They can claim...Read more...

This is an amazing story about a man who loved Israel. It happened over 100 years ago, but inspires us even now!

Nathan and Isadore Straus were indeed some of the greatest philanthropists in America.   In the spring of 1912, they and their wives went on a tour to Europe.  After enjoying the greatness of  Europe with its museums, operas and palaces, they decided to travel for a visit to Israel, which was then...Read more...

Dan Zweig is a member of Congregation B'nai Jacob and Temple Achduth Vesholom and is President of the Fort Wayne Jewish Cemetery Association.  His ongoing service to the Jewish community in these roles is greatly appreciated, as is the following cemetery update provided by Dan.  - Rabbi Kornspan

THANK YOU FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT OF JEWISH CEMETERY

It’s hard to describe what went through my mind looking at the...Read more...

Since my early years of  learning, I was struck by the great sages’ instruction that we should bless G-d for all the good that comes into our life, but also bless Hashem for all evil.

Really? Do I  truly want to do this? Do I wish to make a bracha, when my heart is breaking and thank G-d when my loved one dies, my family or friends are hurt, or there are horrendous tragedies in the world?  Indeed, what has been...Read more...

Do some of you remember Art Linkletter and his show: “Kids Say the Darndest Things?” Out of the mouths of babes came rather humorous remarks. We enjoyed their sincerity, while they, with great assurance, pronounced such funny ideas.

Although the following wasn't on his show, it is an example of what could have been.  This comes from

G-d's Little Acre:  Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl...Read more...

My original article for this month has to be preempted. There is nothing more urgent and important to write about than Israel. By the time you receive this newsletter, you will have a more current knowledge of the war that Israel has been fighting to defend each and every individual in Eretz Yisrael. 

What does  not change is the need to keep Israel in our prayers and to act on her behalf.  I will...Read more...

(The following appeared in the May 2014 B'nai Jacob Bulletin)

Dear B’nai Jacob Family and Friends,

As we are about to celebrate Israel's 66th Anniversary, I thought this article from last year's observance is so apropos.                                    

L'Shalom,

Rabbi Mitchell...Read more...

AND IT HAS COME TO PASS IN THE CONGREGATION B’NAI JACOB  that a decree has been issued that the holiday of Purim shall be observed with joy and gladness, the evening after Shabbat, Saturday, March 15th and on Sunday, March 16th.

LET THERE BE the reading of the Megillah, the singing of songs, the attirement in costumes, and the booing of Haman, the villain!

AND IT HAS BEEN FURTHER DECREED that all...Read more...

We are celebrating the last days of Chanukah through December 5th. When you first receive this bulletin, I want to repeat a Chag Chanukah Sameach, a happy Chanukah from Penny and me.

Of course, everyone knows about Chanukah! What is not so well known is the commemoration occurring on Friday, December 13th. It is the 10th of the Hebrew month of Tevet, and is a fast day. Why was this fast fixed into the Jewish calendar, despite it being...Read more...

As I was shopping in a grocery store, a man approached me.  Noticing my kippah, he queried: "May I ask you a question about Judaism?"  Since it was still Hanukkah, I thought he would be inquiring about the holiday's observance.  Instead, he asked "Where in Fort Wayne can I obtain some really good lox?  You know, like they have in New York!"  (By the way, if you know a good answer, let me know!)

Although...Read more...

Mom used to come to Fort Wayne for Pesach.  Many of you met her.  She enjoyed Yom Tov and she enjoyed you.

It will now be almost two months since my mother died.  During this time period, so many of you have reached and given Penny and me comfort.  There were those of you who sent cards or an email of condolence.  There were those of you who contacted me by phone.  You gave me a gift of your...Read more...

Need an uplifting story?  This originally appeared in the November 2010 newsletter.  But it's a story worth telling again.

2010_November_Rabbi's_Message.pdf