by Rabbi Shaps | Mar 12, 2026 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Vayakel, Weekly Parsha
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” This famous quote, attributed to Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey, underscores a fundamental truth: you cannot know who you truly are without...
by Danielle Altonaga | Mar 6, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Ki Sisa, Weekly Parsha
Have you ever been truly inspired by something? Perhaps a personal miracle, an amazing event, or a profound lesson? You felt moved. You felt uplifted. You vowed to make a big change. Not to be a downer, but…did the change last? Or did the inspiration eventually...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Feb 27, 2026 | Purim, Rabbi Michael Altonaga
This Monday evening, we begin the holiday of Purim. That night, we read the Megillah of Esther. The story of Purim. This gives us a picture of the historical realities of the time and a greater understanding of why we celebrate the holiday. The...
by Shmuel Klein | Feb 19, 2026 | Rabbi Shmuel Klein, Terumah, Weekly Parsha
This week Hashem says: “וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ — Make for Me a sanctuary,וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם — and I will dwell among them.” It doesn’t say that Hashem will dwell “in it (the sanctuary)” — but “among them.” The Mishkan (Tabernacle) wasn’t just about building a...
by Rabbi Shaps | Feb 12, 2026 | Mishpatim, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Our morning study group has been learning Tractate Bava Kamma, which deals with the laws of damages — for example, the classic case: what happens if my ox gores your ox. While that may not seem very relevant today, the principles behind these laws are timeless. And of...
by Danielle Altonaga | Feb 6, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha, Yisro
Who doesn’t love a good simcha? Family, friends, and, of course, great food! Many of us appreciate a delicious meal, but have you ever thought about its spiritual impact? In this week’s Torah portion, Jethro converts to Judaism, and as part of the celebration,...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jan 29, 2026 | Beshalach, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
I was in Toronto this week for my brother-in-law’s wedding. The day before the wedding there was a terrible storm. Over 60 centimetres of snow fell for the largest snowfall of a Toronto storm in recorded history. Flights were cancelled. Cars...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jan 22, 2026 | Bo, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Loneliness can be more painful than any physical suffering. Yet it’s a challenge we often overlook—both in ourselves and in recognizing it in others. Even in a world more connected than ever, many people feel isolated—unseen, unheard, and alone. As we read about the...
by Shmuel Klein | Jan 15, 2026 | Rabbi Shmuel Klein, Va'era, Weekly Parsha
At the beginning of Parshas Va’era, Moshe (Moses) is discouraged. He has already spoken to Pharaoh, yet instead of improvement, the Jewish people’s suffering has intensified. Pharaoh increases their workload, and the Torah tells us that the Jewish people could no...
by Danielle Altonaga | Jan 8, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Shemos, Weekly Parsha
Imagine this scenario: You: “Hey…are you ok?” Friend: “No, not really”. Your friend begins to tell you about something serious – maybe an illness, a relationship breakdown, or a loss… Oh, boy. What do you say? What do you do? How do you comfort your friend? Let’s...
