A Sandwich for Moshiach

Yesterday at around 1PM i was hungry. I skipped breakfast as usual (had 2 large coffee's instead), and the basic dilemma started. Should i go to Mendy's (released time special) or Kingston bakery (they also have sushi?) or make my way all the way down to Bunch 'o bagels (sorry we are out of that too).

I ended up letting my feet walk me into Albany baker. I asked for a lox sandwich, and was ready to pay. Standing at the counter was Naftoli Astulin with a credit card: I need miles, I'm paying for you.

In fact he paid for everyone in the store, the lady in front of me had $40 of groceries, behind me 2 bottles of milk (OK, that one was his daughter).

He said: it helps bring Moshiach, and the more you talk about moshiach the closer he comes.

He asked that we all do soothing little for Moshiach: here is what I'm doing, reminding everyone that we can all do something to bring him closer.

If you're not sure what to do, meet me at the Kretchme at 2:00 today.

Are you smarter then a smartphone???

I can't under any circumstance respect one that is dumber then his phone. I never jumped the bandwagon, i had friends tell me: "These phones are great, you don't have to think with them".

- Duh - i think - where are those days when we would memorize every phone number in our head. I don't thing you can find one 17 year old that knows his own home number. "oh, it's on speed dial"

I never had to think, i didn't need a smart phone to make dumb things seem simple.

But today i got one. The reason: 3 days ago i had a spare hour, so i called sprint, 14 minutes later i had a free smart phone. My old one was just too old.

And no, i didn't get an iPhone ("Wow, it can slide to unlock!!!!")!

F-R-I-E-N-D-S

There are many kinds of friends. Without the philosophy behind who really is your friend.
Fact is that most people hang around with others most of the time. Now there are those you see every day, others you text every hour, there are even friends that two minutes after you say goodbye - you are back chatting with them for hours online.

Then there are some special ones. You see them once in six months, and then they help you waste like 4 hours of your time catching up.

Not talking about the stop & chat you do on Pesach when you see someone ("How's Yeshiva" "what are you doing for the summer" "Next year???" "Where did you just say you are [like i was listening]"). Talking about those you genuinely care about and spend time with.

I never understood, if there is so much i can share with these few individuals, why don't i keep in touch more ofter? why don't we talk, text, call or chat. At the very least FACEBOOK - -

I guess if we would keep in touch, there wouldn't be a 'once in six months friend'!
So till next Pesach, Succoss or next time i see you, take care!

How to digest Matzah!

I don't need more then the fact that a Frume Magazine advertises for a 'easier digesting solution' for Pesach. Come on, isn't that the clearest indication that Pesach is not for those with a week stomach?!

I for one have a real week stomach, I don't hate the holiday per say, but i anxiously await it's departure.

Everything about Pesach is great. The Seder with the whole family, Chol hamoed outings and the extra sleep (when did that happen???) but the fact that when i wake up there is no cup of coffee and danish awaiting my presence, makes me await the day after.

Yes, now that i had a danish and Venti black eye i can do another few days of chemical imbalance. But like all great things, when they go they just go.

Welcome back to all Bochrim that spent the holiday making others happy across the world.
תהא משכורתם שלמה

Morning, Sunshine

I got up this morning, Historical, Monumental, call it what you want. I was excited. Why? dunno, they say it's special so it won't hurt me to be happy in the morning for once in 28 years.

I was standing ready for the blessing, my blue Birkas Hachama Manual in my hand, i was ready to say the page and a half of verses, when i feel a tug on my shoulder.

An Israeli Bochur is standing there and with no embarrassment proclaims: "Zeh Makom Sheli" (This is my place).

You see - every time we bless the sun, he stands at that little 2 inch square on the Eastern Parkway mall.

Good chance of that!! But it was fun, we should do it again some day!

Maamar in a bar

Yes I confess, my writers block caused my lately to hit the bars again. Making it my quest to find the best bar in town. After all It's my New York I deserve the best.

I found this place by mistake, you see, a few weeks ago my dear sister gave birth to a beautiful daughter. And while i went to visit her at the hospital i came across The brazon head.

No, Not the best. But the best IPA I've ever had. The best part was that i came equipped with my Birkas Hachama manual, so as I was drinking i tried to understand the Rebbe's words of 5713. It was cool. I didn't get the half of it, but i felt special.

See tomorrow i gotta be sobor for the 1st time in 28 years. Lets make it a Grande!