We Get Mail

Because of Rav Fischer’s widespread impact and influence, he receives letters from all across the country. Here are a brief sample:



From:
Sent: Friday, May 01, 2009 12:31 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Good Job

Rabbi Fisher,

Well-done Torah commentary, and I liked your voice and style.  Exactly what many thousands of unaffiliated Jews in Southern California need to hear, which is, commentary put in the day-to-day vernacular.

It is obvious to me that you want to appeal to a broader community.

Shabbat Shalom,


From:
Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2009 9:49 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Torah commentary on this week’s Parsha, published in this week’s Los Angeles Jewish Journal.

Thank you for this commentary…what a great reminder of the basics that define Judaism and the Jewish people, yet it’s the little things that people (including myself) forget to do sometimes.  There’s always room for improvement and we should all strive to be better each day.  I hope your article reaches many people and reminds them “to do good”.  Your words and this week’s Parsha has strengthened that flame inside me to be better and “to do good!”

Thank you,


From:
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 11:11 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Don’t Do Well – Do Good

Rabbi,

What an amazing article.  I’ve read many of your articles and commentaries over the past few years, but this one, for some reason, made me reflect the most.  One part that stood out for me was, ” rather, it also is about being honest, ethical, trustworthy and thus noble”. We occasionally get lost in the rule of the law and sometime we obsess over a Mitzvah that being honest, ethical, trustworthy and thus noble is forgotten.  I also like the part “your deeds define you”.  This is a simple sentence, but so many of us tend to forget what deeds truly are or what they mean.

[My spouse, my child] and I really miss you and Ellen.  We live in LA now and have been here for a few months now. . . .  I know you could not be there for his Brit, but you will be for his Bar Mitzvah and Chuppah. . . .


From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 11:36 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Chag Sameach

Hello Rabbi,

I wanted to wish you and Ellen a Happy Passover.

We have received nothing but compliments about the wedding and especially the ceremony.  Thank you for all that you have done.  We had a wonderful time . . . .


From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 8:51 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: your sociological overview

. . . . [T]his coming Shabbat, I am citing liberally (with due citation of course) from your sociological overview of why Jews become the way we are, depending on locale. It was spot-on –

Be well – Chag Kasher v’sameach !


From:
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 8:47 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Two Inspiring Performances and a Lesson

Thank you for your keen observations. Well put. I couldn’t have said it better myself and I’ve been thinking about this for a week…sweet sounds so powerful they move everyone to tears.
————————–
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld


From:
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 7:32 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Two Inspiring Performances and a Lesson

Thank you Rabbi Fischer for this encouraging email. With all the media hype and so many beautiful people, many of us feel pressure for not being good enough.  Of course, HaShem made each of us in His image and that image is perfection.

Appreciatively,


From:
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 7:57 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Picking a Hebrew Name Question

Hi Rabbi!

. . . .

Also, I wanted to also let you know how much I enjoy Friday night services.  You and the Rebbetzen have made me feel so welcome and a part of your community.  I credit both of you for helping me become more connected to Judaism.

Thank you so much for everything.


From:
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2009 12:28 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Thanks for beautiful Pesach seder

Rabbi Fischer,

I would like to thank you for a really beautiful Pesach seder.  We really enjoyed spending the seder in the very homey atmosphere you and your congregation created, and we appreciated your insights and humor.  I am leaving for . . . a few days, but when I return next month I will make an effort to attend shabbat services with you. . .


From:
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4:29 PM
To:RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Thank you for participating directly on Purim Night in our Torah Project.

Dear Rabbi Fischer,

Much as we appreciate your thank you note to us, it is just as important for us to thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the Torah project as well as be part of a beautiful and memorable Purim service.


From:
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 3:57 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Thank you Also…

Rabbi,

Thank you for being our wonderful rabbi of our fine and ever growing shul.


From:
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 11:24 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE:

Dear Rav Fischer,

I am awed and most moved by your message below. Your words give us all chizuk, and your purview of the larger picture and scheme is so valued and compelling . . . .


From:
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 1:42 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Davening Quality

Dear Rav,

I cannot believe you have all this writing ability . . . . Will you please write another book? Or do a column? Or something? Please?


From:
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 1:24 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Davening Quality

JUST superb… incredibly meaningful…as are all of your [writings].

I will share at our shabbat table…IyH.


From:
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 7:32 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: education

Purim was really so much more than we expected. It was a very beautiful and memorable evening. If you had any doubt of the success of YIOC it should apparent that you are on your way. . . .


From:
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:45 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Thank You, Everyone, for a Wonderfully Memorable Purim

B”H

Rebbitzin and Rabbi Fischer,

It was an absolute joy to be there last night.  Thank you so very much for making it so wonderful.  Thank you so very much for all you do.

B’Shalom.


From:
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 11:06 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: Thank You, Everyone, for a Wonderfully Memorable Purim

Rav Dov;

We all owe you a great “Yasher Koach”! for putting together such a wonderful Purim nite.  Without your leadership and initiative there would have been nothing there for us all to join into.

Keep up the good work! You’re doing a wonderful job filling a need that obviously exists.

PS The “yasher koach” extends to Ellen and Aharon as well!


From:
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 12:56 AM
To:RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Your Torah Classes

Shalom Rav,

. .  . .

Your Torah classes really are something else.  I love and enjoy your elucidations and tangents.  Do you think it could be feasible if I got you a very simple (and reliable!) digital voice recorder for you to record your classes, and then maybe you can either just save them, e-mail them to me, put them on a website, or even on iTunes for the world to hear– I have a feeling that a lot of other people would also like to hear your classes that wouldn’t otherwise be able to…


From:
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 4:45 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [recent article]

I could read your writing and reflect on your ideas all day…

Be matzliach.


From:
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 4:04 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: A Student from Twenty Years Ago

Rav Dov,…. Long time… FYI… back in the day..you had a long term positive influence on my life that extends until today… I just figured that teachers would like to know that…


From:
Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:51 AM
To:RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: from [. . . ]

Dear Rabbi,

Thank you for all of your help in Irvine.

I am in [] and receive job as a teacher and also am studying in the university.

All through the difficult time, I receive that as G-d want, and my belief is getting more and more stronger.

witout your help, I was hopeless and jsut hopeless. but now i can say thank to all the difficult time . . .

I hope your service place is settled and you are fine.


From:
Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2009 4:49 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: The Cooking Issue

B”H

Rabbi Dov,

Thank you for your answer to . . . my concern about the cooking issue.  We appreciate very, very much your going into such detail in your explanation of the halachah involved and the procedures we need to follow to comply with it..

B’Shalom.


From:

Sent: Wednesday, December 03, 2008 12:40 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Mumbai: A two-minute hyperlink video from Israel . . .and Excerpts from the Shabbat D’var Torah (Sermon)

Rav Dov-

Thanks for sending this. Reading it reminds me of how much I miss your great observations and poignant perspectives. Your congregants are very lucky to have you, and hopefully they are aware of that.

Hope all is well with you and yours, and give my regards to Ellen, Aharon and the girls.


From:
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 10:46 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Yom Kippur

Hi Rabbi:

I just wanted to congratulate you for an incredible high-holiday services. Candidly-it has been a long time since I felt comfortable in a Shul.
Many Thanks and Mazel Tov to you and the Board.

Warmest Regards,


From:
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 5:52 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: YIOC Newsletter: High Holidays, Sukkot, Shabbat Times, Employment Request

Rabbi D –

A smashing success.  I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed quiet davening so much, the very reason I chose a M.O. shul.  Until this year, I never quite experienced my fantasy – quiet, subdued, friendly and intimate.  I really followed along quite well – a real accomplishment. . . .


From:
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 6:12 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: services

Great Services for Yom Tov and Yom Kippur, you spoke on real topics and I really “got'” something from them.


From:
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2008 11:54 PM
To:
 RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: YIOC: (1) U-N’taneh Tokef; (2) Yom Kippur Schedule; (3) Note re Wearing Kittel/Tallit

Not that you need our endorsement, but we have gone to quite a few High Holiday services over the years – and these were the best – most spiritual, contemplative as well as interesting.  Congratulations – and what a terrific start for the community you are building!

Sincerely, 


From:
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 9:55 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Happy New Year, Vladi

Thank you Rabbi,

Thank you for leading such an inspiring Rosh Hashanah service. The theme you have chosen for this Rosh Hashanah and the hints you gave during last Chumash class had a profound echo in me. . . .

Wishing you a . . . Shana Tova and Gmar Chatima Tova,


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 3:45 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: BEST WISHES FOR ROSH HASHANAH AND GMAR HATIMA TOVAH

Dear Rabbi and Ms. Fischer;

Thank you for your very kind email.

[My spouse] and I wish to thank you for conducting such memorable service for ROSH HASHANAH. We both enjoyed the service. . . .

As I looked at the service, I had a lot of admiration for you and Michael, you guys are really START UP material and next time I make a company I know where to find the Rabbi and the COO for the next startup.. You both organized a service that Shuls with 10-20 years experience could be envy of.

Again thank you and your family (lets not forget Aaron trying to keep up with the blowing of the Shofar.. while you both were under stress)  And we look forward to see you in Yom Kippur services . . . .

Shabbat Shalom.


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 3:27 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Shabbat Shalom

Hi Rabbi !

Thanks so much for all the kindness you offered me last Friday night and on Eruv Rosh Hashanah!

I look forward to speaking with you.  I cannot make it tonight or tomorrow, but next week.

You really made me feel good, and I thank you and everybody that was so nice and kind.

I also enjoyed your talks.

I just wanted to send this note so you will have my email address and phone number.

See you soon, and please give my regards to your wife.  She was very nice at the Saturday kiddish.


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 2:36 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Happy New Year

Rabbi Fischer,

Thanks for the message.

Shana Tovah to you also.

I also want to say mazeltov on Young Israel’s accomplishments.

How far the shul has come in under a year is really quite amazing.

See you in shul for Yom Kippur next week.

Shabbat Shalom.


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 2:43 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: Happy New Year!

Thanks Rabbi. Of course to you, Ellen & Aharon too!!!

I really enjoyed the service……lovely atmosphere!!!

I bumped into someone who attends another shul . . .& . . .

Believe me I really gave Young Israel a HUGE plug.

Who knows maybe they will come to have a “look see”!!!!


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 4:26 PM
To: 
RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: Happy and healthy New Year

Thank you – all things good for you and your family for the coming  year.

Please tell Ellen that her soup was a big hit – kids who usually don’t like vegetable soup came back for 2nd!!


From:
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 4:05 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: Happy New Year, Dr. Jerry

Shannah Tovah, Rav.

I too still feel the glow of what you’ve created and I thank you for your courage and perseverance.

. . . I never felt at home, [u]nfortunately, in [any prior] Shul I ever attended (note the absence of ‘belonged to’). There was always a hierarchy, a political structure based on socio-economics, culture, and even piety levels. . . . .

I can honestly say that I felt none of that in your Shul. I felt like I belong. Thank you for heightening that feeling . . . .  and I thank you.

Gmar Chasimah Tovah.


From:
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 9:28 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: A Personal Note from Rebbetzin Ellen, my son Aharon, and Me

Rosh Hashanah was absolutely magical…you couldn’t have said it better.

I want to study with Ellen at 3pm and stay for your class on Saturday though…so I will see you then. . . .

Thanks for everything, I feel like I can’t say it enough.


From:
Sent: Thursday, October 02, 2008 2:52 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: A Personal Note from Rebbetzin Ellen, my son Aharon, and Me

Rabbi Fischer,

What a beautiful letter.  Thank you for writing it.  [My spouse] and I both felt that Rosh Hashannah services this year were among the best we have experienced in recent years. . . .

What I also really liked, Rabbi, is when you took a few minutes to teach or explain something as you did when you were talking about the history of the mechitzah.  I found it very interesting, although it was a different take on what I had previously learned.

All in all, it was a wonderful Rosh Hashannah.  Again, thank you.


From:
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 9:06 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: []

Good morning, Rabbi:

First, I wanted you and Ellen to know how thankful we are for YIOC regarding the awesome meals we have received.  It has been so helpful, and so beyond the call. . .

Again, thank you for everything you have done for us during this time.  It is great to be part of a shul that looks at you as [family]

Take care,


From:
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 12:40 AM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Sunday, September 14 — Dedication Event

Yasher Koach

I”m sort of at a loss for words…….am so proud of you and what you and the Rebbitson (and im’ sure loads of others as well) have accomplished.

Its really amazing


From:
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 12:34 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Ad in . . .Programs

Boker Tov Rabbi and Rebbitzen:

It was a wonderful day in schul yesterday and I wanted to thank you for allowing [  ]  to hold the Torah on his Birthday, and [  ]  coming up to the Torah. What an honor it was! We told [  ]  that, hopefully, every year when it’s time to read Parshat [  ] (the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah) [he] can read the Maftir and [his Dad] read the Haftorah. Hopefully this will continue for [his own] children to see. (We’re such romantics).

In addition to all the “feel good stuff”, seeing you and Ellen and celebrating catch-up for all Ellen’s missed ceremonies was again, quite an honor. We all walked out of the schul just a few inches higher than the ground. . . .

Thank you both for being so wonderful!


From:
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 9:33 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: Thanks for a Wonderful Shabbat!

Thank you, Rabbi, especially for your character and determination.

Regards,


From:
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 1:40 PM
To: 
RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Thanks for a Wonderful Shabbat!

Wow!!!   Go Rabbi.  [The new lady] who came to us this past Shabbot service said that nobody at [ ] ever paid any attention to her until you.  She’s pro Young Israel because of your extra attention.  By extension, she and most of the others were there because of your incredible efforts.  I just wanted you to know that I know that it didn’t happen by chance.


From:
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 1:29 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: RE: [ ]

R, you sure do know your baseball history.

Thanks for all the info


From:
Sent: Thursday, April 03, 2008 10:19 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: (no subject)

Dear Rabbi Fischer                                    4/2/08

It  was  a honor and a  pleasure to meet with you today. I never had a open conversation

with any  Rabbi   I had with you .I hope we will get to know each other soon

and learn what live is all about.

 


From:
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:42 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Contact Info

Hi Rabbi:

Thank you so much for taking the time to return my phone calls and for giving me so much of your time, I really do appreciate the comfort and support that you gave me.  It was a great relief to me to “remember” that even though you were no longer at [  ], I could still call you!  I wish you and your family well and everything that you wish for yourselves and I look very forward to seeing you soon.

Best regards,


From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 7:32 PM
To: RavFischer@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Appreciation of your columns and your defense of Jewish Values

Dear Rabbi Fischer,

For a long time, we have been looking forward to your returning to the Jewish Journal. We read all of your columns and appreciate your point of view and your writing skill.

Again, thank you for your sensitivity to Jewish needs.