The first one was a presentation by Rabbi Wallerstein:
He held up a bottle of what appeared to be Polanf Spring water and asked, “what brocha is made on this?” Everyone says, shehakol.
He says, you’re all wrong. Asks someone to come up and sniff the contents, which turns out to be vinegar (on which no brocha is made if drank).
Lesson: Look beyond the label (read: don’t judge people by their exteriors)
The 2nd presentation was by Shloimi Dachs who spoke about the challenges of growing up with divorced parents (which he lived thru personaly). A very well written piece, but the ending was what floored me. He said, “if anyone wants to call me for chizuk or ideas on how to cope, I’m always available”
Its not every day you see an offer like that from someone so accomplished. Lots of people give of their money; really special people give of their time.