“I try so hard to hold my tongue, but I must say that I don’t think I can tolerate Harry’s work ethic much longer,” Mr. Roberts said. “He’s running late…
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One Minute With Yourself
Minute 818: If I Would Have Known
Minute 817: Attic
Mom came down with a basket full of papers, notebooks and photographs. She smiled and declared, “You’re not going to believe what I found in the attic.” “Mom, it can’t…
Minute 816: Not Enough
Pirkei Avot says: “Jealousy and desire and honor remove man from the world” (Avot 4:28). The destructive aspects of these traits are acknowledged by all; however, what is meant by…
Minute 815: There’s More
When little boys fight there’s no easy solution, even if the argument is over something insignificant. “It’s not fair, Mom!” Yosef whined. “I got it first!” “He always takes what’s…
Minute 814: At Once
“It’s like chametz,” Nissim said. “If you leave it unattended it sours the dough, but if you don’t let it take hold it never sinks in.” “What’s that got to…
Minute 813: There Must Be a Better Way
Mr. Gerhardt enjoyed working with Mr. Furst. It was not only his sense of calm when faced with a business crisis and not even his sense of humor. What made…
Minute 812: Liking Me
“Why would you do such a foolish thing?” Joseph asked. “You had to know you’d get in big trouble!” “I don’t know what came over me,” Rephael said. “I thought…
Minute 811: Why Don’t You Listen?
“I’ll repeat myself one more time!” Mrs. Kaplan shrilled. “This is your last chance!” The teenager sat motionless and failed to respond to her teacher’s command. “Miss Lieb, report to…
Minute 810: “Lose” Your Temper
It is important to perform self-evaluation on a regular basis. The Rabbis suggest that when reciting the bedtime Shema, we should say Viduy — confession — as we do in…
Minute 809: Job Description
The excitement was building as the date approached for their departure to Eretz Yisrael, but today was the day for the family’s dreaded visit to the passport office. After waiting…
Minute 808: Old Photos
Rachel was an “older single” suffering from self-doubt and low self-esteem. After all, she wondered, “How many shidduch meetings with different boys can a young lady experience without finding her…
Minute 807: Sadly
People have silent ways of signaling for help. One might notice a change of behavior in another, yet ignore it, not realizing that the person is crying out for help.…
Minute 806: Purposeful Partners
“Unbelievable,” Mrs. Scheftel said. “I always considered them so smart.” “There’s the pure Jewish way of life and there’s the lifestyle that’s been infiltrated with popular culture’s misguided values,” Mrs.…
Minute 805: Money Bug
“Good morning, Rabbi! So nice to see you!” a young man he didn’t know greeted Rabbi Goldblatt. The Rabbi looked up and smiled. “Good morning,” he responded. As they continued…
Minute 804: Show Me
Shaul was upset. He’d been counting on going to the event with his dad, but his father had just called to say that something unavoidable had come up. He promised…
Minute 803: In Advance
“Long time no see, old friend!” Chesky exclaimed. “How’s business?” “It’s certainly not what it used to be,” Ralph replied. “I’ve closed two of my stores and laid off many…
Minute 802: Well Prepared
“I’ve got to work late tonight,” Mr. Storch told his wife. “I’ve got an important presentation in the morning and have not yet completed my preparation.” “Okay,” Mrs. Storch responded…
Minute 801: Constantly
Joe noticed his classmate Albert’s nervousness and tried to calm him down. “It’s just another test, Al,” Joey said. “In the big picture, overall, I think you’ll pass. Don’t worry…
Minute 800: Cause and Effect
“I’m so sorry,” Mr. Blau said. “He was in my high school class and although we didn’t communicate regularly, we always made a point to keep in touch from time…
Minute 799: Justification
“You’d better not,” Avi warned. “That’s stealing.” “Who says?” his cousin challenged. “The Torah says!” Avi replied. “If you take something that doesn’t belong to you, it’s stealing. That’s one…