Ben Kurzer, at The Blogs

Nov 28, 2023, 8:09 PM

We all know that good Yiddish expressions are hard to translate. How can you explain to someone how fermished you become when a meshuggeneh makes you feel like a schmatte?! Perhaps one of the best words is “krechtz” – that...

Nov 1, 2023, 5:53 PM

This is not complicated

If I were to have read the Meshech Chochma on almost any other week of my career, I would have written an article that says exactly the opposite of the lesson I will draw below. In fact, I find...

Oct 25, 2023, 6:08 PM

On Shaky Ground

Since the terrible events of Simchat Torah in Israel, in addition to a constant undercurrent of sadness, fear and tension, there have been moments that have brought these emotions to the fore. These moments seem to be where my...

Sep 12, 2022, 8:30 PM

Remarkable Lessons from a Remarkable Life

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This past Shabbat, though it sounds sacrilegious for a rabbi to suggest, I had planned not to give a sermon. Yet on Thursday evening I realized that it was not possible to let Shabbat pass without saying a few...

Nov 2, 2020, 6:47 AM

More than One Virus is Spreading: One Mask is not Enough

The UK Government has now announced a new lockdown for, at least, the next four weeks. Whether one agrees with the details of the various restrictions or feels there is a better approach to tackling the problem, everyone’s goal...

Jul 2, 2020, 1:20 PM

Should we be going back to Shul?

Fifteen weeks ago our Shul shut its doors. It was a moment that, as a Rabbi, I could never have dreamed of – to actively prevent people from entering our halls, not just for prayer but for anything, was...

Jun 25, 2020, 1:27 PM

Our World is Divided: We Need More Machloket!

I want nothing more than for us all to get along with each other. Yet we seem to be polarising ever more, creating binary extremes which will never reconcile. I honestly believe that almost all of us would like...

Jun 17, 2020, 5:11 AM

Remembering Marc Weinberg z”l, A Master Educator

Ten years ago today one of the most remarkable people I have ever known celebrated his 35th birthday. His name was Marc Weinberg and sadly it would be his final birthday. Just two weeks later he finally succumbed to an...

Jun 15, 2020, 8:40 AM

Seeing the World in Blue and White

One of the things I will remember most about lockdown is the Sir David Attenborough series, “Blue Planet”. Together with my kids, we have marvelled at his masterful tours through the oceans and the various fish and animals that...

Jun 10, 2020, 9:21 PM

“Book with Confidence”

“Book with confidence” has been my phrase of the week. As we begin to see the light at the end of the lockdown tunnel we are starting to formulate plans for what to do in the weeks and months...

About Me

Rabbi Kurzer serves as the Rabbi at Pinner United Synagogue. He is passionate about people and genuine Torah education and is known for his creative programming and clear, engaging teaching style.

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