by Rabbi Altonaga | Mar 13, 2025 | Elisha Guberman, Purim, Uncategorized
Purim is a time of joy, feasting, and celebration. But if we stop at the surface, we miss its deeper meaning. Purim is not just about survival—it is about identity. It is about knowing who we are, standing tall as Jews, and refusing to forget what truly matters. The...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Feb 20, 2025 | Mishpatim, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
The word “charity” does not exist in Hebrew. So what is it called when people give money to the needy? It is called “tzedaka.” This more literally translates to “righteousness.” What is the difference between charity and...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jan 16, 2025 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Shemos, Uncategorized, Weekly Parsha
I remember when I first started wearing a kipa/yarmulke. I had started getting more into Judaism before that, but still it was a big step. When I decided to stop eating pork, that was a mitzvah between me and G-d. It could be that no one else would...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Dec 12, 2024 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Vayishlach, Weekly Parsha
Yakov was afraid1. On a surface level, this is simple to understand. In this week’s Torah portion (Vayishalach), Yakov hears that his vengeful brother Eisav is approaching him with 400 armed men. Yakov’s camp of women and children should be doomed. Yet, Yakov...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Nov 21, 2024 | Chayei Sarah, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Abraham’s servant Eliezer is searching for a wife for Issac in this week’s Torah portion (Chayei Sarah). When he sees Rebecca, Eliezer doesn’t walk, he runs to her. The Midrash explains that there was a miracle occurring for her and the water at the...
