Mordechai Soskil, at The Blogs

Mordechai Soskil

Nov 26, 2025, 11:32 PM

One of the quirkiest things about the Torah is the uneven flow of time from chapter to chapter. Some parshiyot are chock-full of action, and some feel like in the live-action movie of the Torah those scenes wouldn’t make...

Aug 14, 2025, 4:39 PM

Shiva and Consolation (even in Australia)

I only know a few things about Australia. I know that kids ride to school on their pet kangaroos. I know that little kids collect giant huntsman spiders to trade with each other at recess. And Alexander’s mom told...

Apr 2, 2025, 10:42 PM

An Open Letter to the Simple Son

An open letter to the simple son Dear Tom, Your mother and I are so happy to hear that you’ll be joining us again for seder this year. I know that now that you’re on your own you get to choose...

Mar 19, 2025, 8:51 PM

Featured Post

Happy Purim! L’Chayim?

At what rate are Jewish Day School kids binge drinking? (iStock)

Ahead of the festivities: News for those who think Jewish American day school kids don't binge drink and won't pay a lifelong price

Feb 12, 2025, 2:24 PM

The Most Important Pasuk (Teacher’s Edition)

There is a famous (but difficult to locate ) Midrash that discusses The Most Important Pasuk in the Torah. Ben Zoma says, “Shema Yisrael.” (Very easy to understand. A reasonable choice.) Ben Nanas says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”...

Dec 18, 2024, 11:24 PM

What Have You Tried So Far?

Recently at work one of my colleagues shared this article from the Atlantic about a parenting style called “Lighthouse Parenting.” The gist is that whereas there are some parents (“snowplow parents”) who try to clear their child’s path of...

Nov 26, 2024, 5:45 PM

Thanksgiving

Oddly specific gratitude

Am I thankful for family this Thanksgiving? For being together? Well, sure, but I think we can do better than that - and so does Judaism

Sep 12, 2024, 9:40 PM

An Open Letter to My Beloved

Dear Beloved, It is that time of year again when my heart calls to you Beloved. I hope You feel the same. I smile when I see the apples of autumn in the stores because it calls to me of our...

Aug 22, 2024, 11:09 PM

Featured Post

Goats milk and date honey? Is it worth it?

A white goat stands in the grass under a palm tree. (iStock)

There's something so special about Israel that Tristan de Cunha or Uganda or New Jersey couldn't possibly be a stand-in for it, but sometimes I wonder

About Me

Rabbi Mordechai Soskil has been teaching Torah for almost 30 years. Currently he is the Principal of the High School at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. He is also the author of a highly regarded book on faith and hashkafa titled "Questions Obnoxious Jewish Teenagers Ask." His new book. Questions You Thought You Couldn't Ask is now available for pre-order at https://mosaicapress.com/product/questions-you-thought-you-couldnt-ask/. He and his wife Allison have 6 children and a blessedly expanding herd of grandchildren.

Contact Me