Aug 6th, 2010
by rabbifink.
Way back in the embryonic stages of this blog I wrote about a father who was denied a birthday cake by a local Shoprite for his son’s birthday.
The reason? The store refused to write the child’s name on the cake.
That child’s name? Adolph Hitler Campbell. (Adolf Hitler Campbell can’t get a birthday cake)
A little while later, I reported that the child, along with his siblings were taken into protective services. (Breaking News! Ad@lf Hitl&r Campbell Update)
Following an appeal, Heath Campbell (the father) has lost custody of his children. (more…)
Apr 22nd, 2010
by rabbifink.
I am really appreciative to MSNBC.com for the great publicity they gave our Shul with the Escape Into America photo-film as I mentioned here: Pacific Jewish Center Featured on MSNBC.com. In addition, I now need to thank MSNBC for informing me of one of the craziest ideas I have ever heard.
Today is Earth Day and I have gone on record supporting conservation and many green initiatives. I believe conservation is an important part of a Torah lifestyle. (See Earth Day and Torah, Green Post and The Story of Bottled Water Review: Important Video, Way Over the Top.)
While I love the idea of being environmentally conscious, to me it is just a factor in making choices. We all weigh our priorities when we make choices and Going Green is something to consider among other factors. (more…)
Oct 21st, 2009
by rabbifink.
This is post #200 on finkorswim.com. Congratulations to me. As promised, I will do a best of the first 200 posts in the next few days. In the meantime, here is this…
It has been a short 10 and a half months since this blog opened it’s doors to the public. I have had a blast writing my thoughts, sharing links and Jewish content with you, the readers.
The blog gives you a glimpse into a slice of my life. But that is all it is, a slice.
My life goes way beyond this blog. (more…)
Sep 24th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I just can’t kick this parenting thing. Every post I feel like writing is connected with parenting.
The last time this happened I was hooked on clothes. Those posts are all linked here, here, here, here, here and here. I recommend checking those out.
One of the most popular articles on NYTimes.com this week is an Op-Ed about women’s happiness.
Cleverly titled “Blue is the New Black“, the article’s basic premise is that women having more opportunities and doing more does not contribute to their happiness. (more…)
Sep 17th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Parenting has been on my mind lately.
Earlier today I posted about Kim Clijsters and the sacrifices of working mothers.
It must be the impending Rosh Hashana that is influencing these thoughts of parents and children.
Parenting is tough job. There are no vacations. There is no financial remuneration. It is oftentimes thankless.
Also we are so clueless as to how to parent. Babies don’t come with a handy manual or set of instructions. The questions all parents have are endless. (more…)
Sep 17th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Something has been on mind the last few days. The last three blog posts I have attempted to write have been all on the same topic. I have decided to turn them into two blog posts and this is the first of a two part series.
The topic is parenting. The relationship between parents and their children.
It is a timely subject as the Jewish Calendar turns the page into a new year. A major element of the Rosh Hashana liturgy is the relationship between us and God. That relationship takes a few forms. One form is that of a parent to a child.
(more…)
Aug 31st, 2009
by rabbifink.
We took the family on a Sunday trip to Pasadena to see the famous Huntington Gardens.
Esteemed Pacific Jewish Center, Board Member, Alan Lipman first told me about this landmark a few months back. He described Huntington Gardens as a place of natural beauty, educational value and cultural significance. I had been looking forward to seeing the gardens in person ever since then.
Yesterday, I discovered for myself that Huntington Gardens is a “must see” attraction in the Los Angeles area.
(more…)
Aug 6th, 2009
by rabbifink.
I have not been to a lot of funerals in my life. I have been blessed.
Yesterday evening my family celebrated Sheva Brachos for a cousin in my parents home. It was a joyous occasion.
Immediately following its conclusion, I walked the 200 feet from my parent’s home to the neighborhood shul. At about 11:00 PM a very moving funeral began.
The juxtaposition of these two events and the nature of the deceased brought tremendous emotion. What follows is an attempt to do those feelings justice in writing.
(more…)
Jul 3rd, 2009
by rabbifink.
Yes, the red-headed step child of the NBA is going to the Lakers.
There are folks who will be up in arms over a known “thug” joining their beloved Lakers.
The same Ron Artest who was suspended for one full year from participating in NBA games for his egregious actions when he was a young up and coming star with the Pacers.
As a Parent and as Rabbi you may want to know: What do I think?
If you read my blog you should know what I think. (more…)
Jun 11th, 2009
by rabbifink.
After yesterdays disturbing news and my sobering blog post about mid-eastern Jewry I thought something lighter would be appropriate for today.
Our son Ozzie, will be 7 months old in a couple of weeks.
There is nothing quite like the experience of observing a baby grow. They are completely helpless when they are born and they gain mobility, instinct and personality before your very eyes.
(more…)
Jun 9th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Another beautiful evening in Venice CA was highlighted by a wonderful Connections.
Everyone was all smiles and we had a great time socializing and learning.
Our Torah topic was the philosophy and moral implications of honoring one’s parents.
We discussed various theories and we ended with the Torah approach.
I recommend listening to this class as the questions and discussion were very interesting and thought provoking.
Click through to listen.
(more…)
Jun 2nd, 2009
by rabbifink.
A few months back I hinted at a future post about athletes and their role in our society as role models.
This past weekend I was reminded about my feelings on the subject. What I feel is what I believe to be the Torah approach but is of consequence and significance to anyone and everyone.
Over the weekend the NBA Conference Finals were settled. Something that happened after one team was eliminated has caused a media frenzy. (more…)
Apr 21st, 2009
by rabbifink.
I just had to post this video.
While I was at school today, my 5 month old son, Ozzie, learned a new trick.
It is so incredible seeing our baby grow more and more each day. It seems like just a short while ago he was unable to interact with us and now he is playing games with his mommy.
Reminds me that we too should be growing each day…
My ever resourceful wife captured it on video. I am so grateful to her (and to whoever thought it would be a good idea to add video recording to my Canon point and shoot digicam). You have got to see this video!
(more…)
Apr 19th, 2009
by rabbifink.
Today was closing day at Santa Anita Park. That means the season of horse racing has come to a close at Santa Anita Park and I was there.
Today, we took the boys to see the ponies run.
Previously, we lived in Baltimore MD, home of The Preakness at Pimlico Race Track. The Preakness is one leg in the Triple Crown. In fact we lived right around the corner from Pimlico and we always thought about going to the track for a day at the races. For some reason, we never actually made the 2 minute trip to Pimlico and never saw a race in person.
Today we drove 35 minutes to Santa Anita Park and we experienced our first day at the races. It was amazing. I learned a lot about a lot of things.
First of all, I saw a dad with his 3 sons, ranging from the ages of 9-14. Incredibly, he was teaching them how to bet on the races. (more…)
Jan 14th, 2009
by rabbifink.
A few weeks ago I commented on the idiots who named their children Adolf Hitler Campbell and Aryan Nation Campbell. They had a problem getting a birthday cake. Awwww, too bad.
Now they have a new problem on their hands. They will need to be invited by the authorities for the next birthday party. It seems that they are in a bit of hot water with the child protections agency. The children have been removed from the custody of the parents. The newspaper has conflicting reports on what their reasons were for removing the children from their home.
Apparently, the children were removed but NOT because of their names. So that just means that the parents were idiots when they named their kids and they continue to be idiots enough to warrant taking their children away!
I can’t say I am happy when a child is taken away from its parents but this might actually be a good thing…
Dec 17th, 2008
by rabbifink.
Here’s a good one…
We just named our baby and honestly a lot of thought goes into it!
This family decided a good name for their bundle of sweetness and joy is ADOLF HITLER Campbell! Imagine this kid going through life with a name like that!
Sometimes you wonder if these people even think about what they are doing!?
Well it seems that they certainly know what they are doing – another one their other children is named “Aryan Nation” and this photo gallery indicates their feelings towards Nazism…
UPDATE
Way back in the embryonic stages of this blog I wrote about a father who was denied a birthday cake by a local Shoprite for his son’s birthday.
