by Rabbi Altonaga | Nov 4, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Words matter. As we dedicate the month of November to Clean Speech, we are focused on the words we say and the effect they have on both ourselves and others. We have all have disagreements. How do they end? Do they disappear or do they get worse? It likely depends on...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Oct 21, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Every day of creation, Hashem says “it was good,” except for one… On the second day, there is no mention of it being good. Why not? Rabbi Hanina said: Because on that day discord entered the world, as it says “And God said, Let there be a firmament...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Oct 7, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Sukkot
Moishe is driving in Jerusalem. He’s late for a meeting and looking for a parking space but can’t find one. In desperation, he turns his face upwards and says, “Lord, if you find me a parking space, I promise that I’ll eat...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Sep 22, 2022 | Nitzavim, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
In this week’s Torah portion, it says: …I have placed life and death before you, blessing and curse, and you should choose life, so that you will live… Devarim 30:19 What kind of commandment is that? Would we have thought that death was the better option? Why...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Sep 15, 2022 | Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
In this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, Moses instructs the people of Israel: When you enter the land that G‑d is giving to you as your eternal heritage, and you settle it and cultivate it, bring the first-ripened fruits (bikkurim) of your orchard to the Holy Temple,...
