Almost 25 years ago I arrived in California to an area called South Bay. At that time the only Jewish house of prayer was a Conservative shul that met in a church. A larger Reform temple was in a nearby city and the temple was so assimilated that it was closed on Shabbos. Strangely, it was shomer Shabbos, as it did not have enough people show an interest in the Shabbos day service.

Once again Mike Tyson wins. Twenty-five million dollars for 89 seconds is something beyond my understanding. But that Mike Tyson received a hero's welcome by a sellout crowd at the fight really blows my mind. I am not into name calling but I'm worried about the message he gives our boxing fans. After the fight he said, "I have a lot to learn. I have to put my skills together. I have a long way to go." Mike was speaking about boxing. I wish he was speaking about ethics.

When I was a youngster I couldn't wait for the bright holiday of Chanukah to arrive. It was a fun-filled time. I knew that my family would hold its great get together. Uncles, aunts and cousins would come to my home where my Bubbie (grandmother) was living...

When my wife gave birth to our sixth child, I was genuinely as truly happy as any man could be. As an American Jew, I had always felt that I should have at least six children (one for each of the 1 million of the 6 million Jews who were killed during World War II). Even though I was as pleased as any father could be, I learned that some of our friends felt differently. They claimed that a large family deprived children of love and education. Somehow, I felt they had missed the boat.

When Father's Day comes around I think of the many single parent families where children are brought up fatherless, some never knowing their fathers. How sad are those who never had a chance to feel the strong and warm loving hand of a father. I have friends who have great caring and sharing fathers. Why are some blessed with good fathers or bad fathers and others with no father? We are not given a choice of fathers. When you are born, the man whom your mother loved is your father

This month I had a strange experience. With Father's Day coming soon, I was feeling very grateful to my wife for giving me a loving home and six children. I know how hard she works to provide the family atmosphere we enjoy. Instead of receiving gifts, I decided to show my affection by reversing the role. I would her give her a gift on Father's Day.

Recently I was working at my school office planning a day of classes and interviews when suddenly I was notified of an incoming call from New York. It was my cousin Shimon, a hospital chaplain and a fine rabbi. “Have you heard the news?” he asked. I thought his voice sounded pensive and without waiting for an answer he went on to say “There has been a fire, your mother didn’t make it and your father is in the hospital.”...

After the English song, Claire, the maid of Milan, appeared in opera the words "home, sweet home" became a popular saying. You could ask anybody where they like to spend their private time and be told, "at home". Yes, it's home sweet home.

As you know, human nature is not predictable. Each and every one of us reacts to situations in a different way.

As a child I was taught in the Jewish private school I attended, that every day is father’s and mother’s day. Our teachers quoted the commandment, to honor your father and mother. My European teachers saw no reason for special dedications. Children were expected to revere and honor parents at all times and places.