Sparks of Clarity

Veteran mechanech Rabbi “Buddy” Berkowitz is a beloved and larger-than-life figure to all who know him — friends, family, and talmidim alike — and his infectious spirit permeates the words of this literary treasure. The topics covered in this powerful volume run the gamut from fresh insights on the classic episodes of k’rias Yam Suf and the cheit ha’eigel to lessons derived from yahrzeit candles and Jewish geography. Why is the Megillah called “Megillas Esther” and not “Megillas Mordechai”? What does it mean that one earns Olam Haba by merely reciting Ashrei three times a day? In addressing these and so many other questions, Rav Buddy ends up imparting a tremendous amount of timely wisdom relating to shalom bayis, chinuch, character development, hashkafah, devotion to Torah, and Am Yisroel’s role in the world. We discover how to wish our friend a good year, appreciate and even love criticism, and confront the daunting challenges of modern society and technology. In the midst of an ever-changing and confusing world, this intriguing work offers abundant sparks of clarity. Born and raised in the Bronx, Rabbi Buddy Berkowitz learned in Yeshiva Sha’arei Torah in Monsey for many years and received semichah from Rabbi Berel Wein, shlita. He has been involved in chinuch for over thirty years and has taught in many adult education programs around the world. He lives in Lakewood, N.J., with his wife and children.