by Yiska Guberman | Dec 19, 2024 | Vayeishev, Weekly Parsha, Yiska Guberman
Parashat Vayeishev begins with the words: “And Jacob dwelt in the land of his father’s sojournings, in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 37:1). After years of wandering, hardships, and trials, Jacob sought to finally rest and live in peace. However,...
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 Elisha Guberman | Dec 5, 2024 | Elisha Guberman, Vayeitzei, Weekly Parsha
The word that is mentioned maybe more than any other in this Parsha is Sheep. Sheep symbolize livelihood and blessing, as Yaakov begins his journey penniless but, through his diligence and reliance on God, transforms Lavan’s meager flocks into a source of immense...
by Rabbi Shaps | Nov 28, 2024 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Toldos, Weekly Parsha
We live in an age of instant gratification. We expect immediate results. If it takes too long to heat something up, we can just microwave it. If our internet is not super high speed, it is too slow. Why spend time cooking when we can buy ready made food? Why bother...
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...
by Yiska Guberman | Nov 15, 2024 | Vayera, Weekly Parsha, Yiska Guberman
In Parshat Vayera, one of the most touching and miraculous moments comes when three visitors—angels in disguise—arrive to deliver divine messages to Avraham and Sarah. These visitors bring Sarah the news that, despite her advanced age, she will bear a son, Yitzchak....
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 Elisha Guberman | Nov 1, 2024 | Elisha Guberman, Israel, Noach, Weekly Parsha
In Parshat Noach, we encounter a world consumed by “chamas” – a society overcome by violence and corruption, where people exploited and harmed each other without remorse. The situation had become so dire that Hashem brought the mabul, a flood intended to cleanse...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Oct 22, 2024 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, V'Zos HaBracha, Weekly Parsha
The Maharil Diskin (a great rabbi in Russia and later Jerusalem in the 1800s) was walking down the street with a student and casually mentioned the number of leaves on a tree that they were passing. The student was in awe at his seemingly supernatural ability to...
by Danielle Altonaga | Oct 16, 2024 | Danielle Altonaga, Sukkot
How a shattered door made me rethink everything It was just before Sukkot. I was staying alone at home, while the rest of my family was away. I was feeling pretty good on my own, and enjoying the quiet time. I came downstairs, and I froze… The door leading to...
