"Dear Elliot - Thank you for your kind words. Rabbi Baras was an exceptional spiritual leader and a very holy man.  He personified Torah and Derech Eretz and I know he is greatly missed by his students and congregants.

It would be a great pleasure to speak at your institute and here are some topics.

1)The future of Hassidism in America -are they monolithic?

2)What exactly ails American Jewry and some corrective steps to take today

3)Is being spiritual in Judaism the goal of a Jewish life

4)What is Judaism? Is it Ethics, Humanism, Spirituality, Mysticism or is it something else 

5)Why is support of Israel waning amongst our Jewish youth

Elliot if there is something that interests your group why not suggest it.

Generally speaking Sunday or Monday or Thursday Nights are fine for me in October & November.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Shalom, Rabbi Yehoshua  Hecht

My Contact Information:

Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht

Study 203 866-0534

Cell 203 247-6289

Email:  rabbihecht@bethisraelct.org

Synagogue Website:  www.bethisraelct.org

Dear Brian - I came across your question while checking my website and although its been quite some time since your query was posed I will attempt to answer:

Generally speaking the sanctity of a Torah scroll is the ultimate holy ritual object we Jews possess.

Before the advent of printing it was not uncommon to study from a Torah scroll itself. Of course grreat care was utilized when doing so.

So in answer to your question. Is one allowed to read from the Totah scroll to practise reading their Bar Mitzvah portion?  The answer is yes. Provided that the ultimate respect is utilized when doing so. e.g. not touching the parchment scroll with ones bare hand etc.

If the question is may one remove a Torah scroll from the Ark to practice the event e.g. doing a dry run before the Bar Mitzvah ? The asnswer is yes provided once again that proper decorum is utilized.

It pains me to have seen a photograph of a Torah scroll totally unrolled in order to show young children the length of the scroll. This is something that should never be done.

Thanks for sending your question and keep studying Torah.

 Its one of our greatest Mitzvoth!

Rabbi Yehoshua S. Hecht

203 247-6289

Dear Ilene - sorry for the delay in responding as I have not visited this part of our Synagogue's website  for quite some time!

The first step for connecting to your spiritual roots is already accomplished as you have written this request for assistance and advice.

My spiritual mentor the Lubavitcher  Rebbe encourages all women to light Shabbat candles 18 minutes before sunset every Friday and Jewish holiday eve so that the spiritual light and warmth of these candles illuminate the world with the light of G-ds holiness and goodness.  

The times for candles are on the "masthead"  of our website. So this is a good weekly action to take on your spiritual journey.

May I also suggest that you attend our Friday eve Shabbat service at 7:00 p.m. which is followed by a social "Kiddish" buffet and the short service really helps one feel and experience the beauty and serenity of the Jewish Sabbath.

Ilene, we are here for you and please feel welcome to contact me at the office at 203 866-0534 or my wife Freida at 203 247-3348. She is a very warm and delightful person.

Good luck on your search for your heritage and spiritual connection,

Shalom, Rabbi Yehoshua  S. Hecht