by Rabbi | Feb 11, 2022 | Rabbi's Blog
Yitro is one of the three portions named after a non-Jew – the other two being Noach and Balak. Yitro, differently from the other two, even according to the Torah text, joins the Jewish people. This portion is famous because it is the one where the Ten Sayings appear,...
by Rabbi | Jan 1, 2022 | Rabbi's Blog
Vaera – Our portion begins with God revealing that God’s name has changed between the patriarchs and now. The “four expressions of redemption,” are used for the promise of taking the Jews out of Egypt and into the land. The Jews won’t listen, due to smallness of...
by Rabbi | Jul 18, 2021 | Rabbi's Blog
Kamtza, bar Kamtza and causes of destruction Yoma 9b:8 However, considering that the people during the Second Temple period were engaged in Torah study, observance of mitzvot, and acts of kindness, and that they did not perform the sinful acts that were performed in...
by Rabbi | Jul 18, 2021 | Rabbi's Blog
Shabbat Devarim ~ Shabbat Hazon Devarim begins a long day for Moshe – it is his last day. He decides to spend it talking to the people in three different speeches, or so it seems. Moshe opens with reviewing the events and telling the people to keep the Torah and...
by Rabbi | Jul 2, 2021 | Rabbi's Blog
Pinchas: Death and taxes ~ Look closely at what God tells Moshe regarding Moshe’s death. What is it doing here, just after the apportioning of the land? ~ Can you find a connection between this scene and the story of the daughters of Tzelofchad? ~ This is the second...
by Rabbi | Jun 27, 2021 | Rabbi's Blog
It is with immense gratitude that I am experiencing this celebration – a new ritual that raises the awareness of our collective partnership. You might not know, but this is a first for me, and I am incredibly grateful for this moment. I am indebted first to the...
