yichus matters. In the opening pages of his analysis of a legendary creative partnership,
, author Todd S. Purdum vividly describes how Willie Hammerstein (father of lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II) tried his best to keep his son away from his own Dad, impresario Oscar Hammerstein I, lest grandfather tempt grandson into joining him God forbid in show business. Spoiler: it didn’t work. Oscar II was completely enthralled by the world of song and dance and became one of the most famous and successful Broadway creative forces of all time.
Yichus won.
Indeed, this week’s Torah reading of Pinchas seems to have
The 5 Towns Jewish Times
December 24, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine.
As many people know, I was recently hospitalized with COVID. One of the downsides of serious breathing problems is the inability to think, to learn, or to have a sense of clarity. I want to share some thoughts about the vaccine, and I hope that what I write will help influence the behavior of others. But first, I would like to thank those who have been davening for me. Along the way, I have met some fascinating people whose chesed is extraordinary. Aside from my family members, I want to thank the staff at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Mrs. Sima Bachrach at Chesed 24/7, Mrs. Breindy Sporn, Hatzalah, Mark Gross, Estie, Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Larry Gordon, Mr. Wasserman, Reb Yechiel Eckstein, and a few others, too.