by Danielle Altonaga | Nov 14, 2025 | Chayei Sarah, Weekly Parsha
This week’s Torah portion begins on a somber note: Avraham’s wife, Sarah, passes away. The grieving Avraham wants to make sure that Sarah has a proper burial. In order to acquire a grave site, he needs the cooperation of the children of Cheis, who are the...
by Danielle Altonaga | Oct 16, 2025 | Breishis, Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
In this week’s Parsha, we read the famous story of Cain and Abel. Abel brings an offering to G-d – chosen from the finest of his flock – which is accepted. Cain also brings an offering; however, the offering he brings is from the inferior portions of his crop, and G-d...
by Danielle Altonaga | Sep 18, 2025 | Danielle Altonaga, High Holidays, Rosh Hashana
I remember thinking, as a kid, that being an adult would be the BEST! I mean, ice cream whenever I felt like it? No official bedtime? How cool to be IN CHARGE of everything? Many of us love the idea of being in charge…so much so, that we forget that our power is...
by Danielle Altonaga | Jul 11, 2025 | Balak, Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Many children are taught, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. This is often good advice… But what if we’re not meant to succeed in a certain area? Here’s an example: In high school, I tried desperately to do well in math. I went to extra help sessions at...
by Danielle Altonaga | Jun 26, 2025 | Danielle Altonaga, Korach, Weekly Parsha
Has this ever happened to you? You think everything’s ok, and suddenly you’re caught up in a confrontation! It’s like a punch to the gut. In this week’s Torah portion, Moses is challenged by his cousin, Korach. Korach approaches Moses in a clear confrontation, along...