by Rabbi Altonaga | Aug 21, 2025 | Kosher, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
A Canadian court order came out that prevented a law from coming into effect. That law, might have effectively put an end to Jewish kosher meat production in Canada (without affecting the meat production of any other group, I might add). Thanks to this court ruling,...
by Elisha Guberman | Aug 14, 2025 | Eikev, Elisha Guberman, Weekly Parsha
In Parshat Ekev, Moshe Rabbeinu describes the Land of Israel as a place of blessing — “a land of wheat, barley, vines, figs, and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and date honey” (Devarim 8:8). These Shiv’at haminim are more than a shopping list — they are reminders...
by Rabbi Shaps | Aug 7, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Va'eschanan, Weekly Parsha
In the aftermath of World War II, countless Jewish children across Europe had been hidden in orphanages, convents, and monasteries to protect them from Nazi persecution. Many of these institutions were run by nuns or priests who, despite the risks, took the children...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jul 31, 2025 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Tisha B'Av
It was just another day in the room that was a hurricane of toys. My baby once again had the gall to play with his older brother’s toy. My toddler decided, that today was the day that he took matters into his own hands. He walked confidently over to his baby...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jul 24, 2025 | Mattos, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Our Sages say that there is a secret 42 letter Name of G-d that is only told over to a select few who are modest, humble, and otherwise stellar in their character traits. That name of G-d is so holy, so powerful, that they worried about publicizing it’s...
by Yiska Guberman | Jul 17, 2025 | Pinchas, Weekly Parsha, Yiska Guberman
When we examine the Book of Bamidbar, we can clearly divide it into two distinct sections. The first part — from Parshat Bamidbar through Korach— deals with the generation that left Egypt. The second part — from Parshat Balak until the end of the book — focuses on the...
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 Rabbi Shaps | Jul 3, 2025 | Chukas, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Uncategorized, Weekly Parsha
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach used to tell a powerful story about “Yosele the Miser.” He was scorned by everyone in town for being notoriously stingy. No one had a good word to say about him. But the day after Yosele passed away, something strange happened: people...
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...
by Elisha Guberman | Jun 19, 2025 | Elisha Guberman, Israel, Shelach, Weekly Parsha
In Parshat Shlach, we read the painful story of the meraglim — the twelve scouts sent by Moshe to get a better feel about life in the Land of Israel. Ten of them return with a terrifying report. They speak of mighty giants, fortified cities, and an impossible mission....
