by Rabbi Shaps | Nov 7, 2024 | Lech Lecha, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
You are a star! When we want to compliment someone and tell them they are great, we refer to them as a star. We use the term star to refer to someone who excels at something and is special. What is it about a star that stands out? A view of the bright star cluster NGC...
by Rabbi Shaps | Sep 20, 2024 | Ki Savo, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Who is wealthy? The one who rejoices in his portion. This saying is one of the more famous ones contained in Pirkei Avos – Ethics of the Fathers. It is important to note the terminology used. The root Hebrew word is Simcha. The one who rejoices. It would seem that...
by Rabbi Shaps | Aug 15, 2024 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Va'eschanan, Weekly Parsha
Winning the lottery isn’t all it is cracked up to be. Studies have shown that a very high percentage of winners lose their winnings within a few years and/or experience serious issues with mental health and addiction. Sudden wealth is a major challenge for many...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jul 11, 2024 | Chukas, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Shlomo Carlebach used to tell the story of “Yosele the Miser” who was looked down upon by everyone in town because he was so stingy. The day after he died, people started showing up at the rabbi’s house asking for assistance. Each one told of how they would...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jun 21, 2024 | Bahalosecha, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
It is rare that you get a chance to make up for a lost opportunity. Especially when it comes to a Mitzvah with a specific time. If you didn’t hear Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, you can’t make it up by blowing Shofar the week after. Lighting Shabbos candles on Tuesday does...
