by Rabbi Altonaga | Jan 16, 2025 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Shemos, Uncategorized, Weekly Parsha
I remember when I first started wearing a kipa/yarmulke. I had started getting more into Judaism before that, but still it was a big step. When I decided to stop eating pork, that was a mitzvah between me and G-d. It could be that no one else would...
by Elisha Guberman | Jan 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
As Yaakov Avinu prepares to leave this world, he asks his sons to bury him in Eretz Yisrael, ensuring that his final resting place reflects the eternal bond between the Jewish people and their homeland. Yaakov’s strong demand from his son, to make sure he...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jan 2, 2025 | Uncategorized
In our daily interactions, when someone thanks us for a favor, we often respond with phrases like, “It’s not a big deal,” or “It was nothing.” Similarly, when someone apologizes for having wronged us, our reflex might be to say, “There’s nothing to apologize for,” or...
by Danielle Altonaga | Dec 26, 2024 | Chanukah, Danielle Altonaga
L’ilui Nishmas Avraham ben Chaim Reuven By: Danielle Altonaga and Adam Miller We are all familiar with the famous Chanukah story. There was only enough oil to last for one day, yet it lasted for eight – the Chanukah Miracle! But wait, why do...
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....
