by Rabbi Shaps | Nov 5, 2026 | Chayei Sarah, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Talk is cheap. During the recent election campaigns in both Ottawa and the United States, we have certainly heard plenty of promises. Making a promise is easy. The real question is whether you can—and will—follow through with action. In last week’s Parsha, we...
by Rabbi Shaps | Oct 8, 2026 | Breishis, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
The first offerings to Hashem were brought by Kayin and Hevel (Cain and Abel). Kayin was the first to bring an offering, but he brought flaxseed, an inferior part of his crop. Hevel followed suit, and he brought the choicest sheep from his flock. Hashem accepted...
by Rabbi Shaps | Sep 10, 2026 | High Holidays, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Rosh Hashana
As we approach Rosh Hashanah, we naturally think about new beginnings. Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on the past year, but even more importantly, it is a time to think about the year ahead. Rosh Hashanah is the Day of Judgment. We are not only judged for what we...
by Rabbi Shaps | Aug 13, 2026 | Elul, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Rosh Hashana, Shoftim, Weekly Parsha
This morning we blew the Shofar heralding the new month of Elul representing the start of the High Holiday season. The Shofar is a reminder that Rosh Hashanah the Day of Judgment is approaching and we should prepare ourselves. Parshat Shoftim begins with the laws of...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jul 16, 2026 | Devarim, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
How important is Derech Eretz? Is it simply good etiquette, or is it something much deeper? The Torah teaches us that the respect we show others, especially in ordinary interactions, is not incidental—it reveals what is truly in our hearts. In this...
