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...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jan 2, 2026 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Vayechi, Weekly Parsha
Jacob’s final request to his sons was that he be buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs in the land of Canaan. Before Joseph goes to fulfill this request, he mentions very explicitly to Pharaoh’s household that his father adjured him to do so and that he would return. ...
by Rabbi Shaps | Dec 26, 2025 | Vayigash
A study performed by Yale University concluded that a stressful lifestyle can affect your health at the DNA level. Stress can cause negative health consequences even in someone who does not have other physical or mental health...
by Rabbi Shaps | Dec 19, 2025 | Mikeitz, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
This past week, we experienced another tragedy for the Jewish people. It happened in Australia, but was personally felt by Jews worldwide, most of whom did not know any of the victims. As Jews we are one people; we are brothers and sisters, and it’s personal –...
by Danielle Altonaga | Dec 12, 2025 | Danielle Altonaga, Vayeishev, Weekly Parsha
In memory of my father, Avraham ben Chaim Reuven Have you ever had one of those days? A day in which everything feels impossible? You may think “This is my limit. I can’t handle anything else.” In this week’s Parsha, Yosef reminds us that, even in our hardest...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Dec 4, 2025 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Vayishlach, Weekly Parsha
I had an unusual opportunity as a baal tchuva (someone who became religious later in life) that I got to pick my own Hebrew name. I chose the name Yisrael. There are a lot of meanings behind this name, but the verse that introduces the name for the first...
