by Danielle Altonaga | Oct 29, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Vayera, Weekly Parsha
When you think “deeply spiritual person”, what images come to mind? A person fervently praying with sincere devotion? Perhaps on a serene mountaintop, or in a quiet synagogue? Of course, prayer is a great and important thing. In this week’s Torah portion,...
by Danielle Altonaga | Sep 3, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, High Holidays, Rosh Hashana, Weekly Parsha
One spring day, when I was 9 years old, I was sitting at the table with my younger brother and his friend. Feeling wise and mature, I began to teach the 4-year-olds: Me: Hey guys, do you know what holiday is coming up? My brother: Um…I don’t know. Me: Could it...
by Danielle Altonaga | Aug 6, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Re'eh, Weekly Parsha
Jingle, clink, jingle. When I was studying in Jerusalem, I always had coins in my bag. One of my teachers, Rebbetzin Ruthie Karlinsky, had advised her students: “Keep a bag of small coins with you. That way, whenever somebody asks for Tzedakah, you will...
by Danielle Altonaga | Jul 9, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, mattos-masei, Weekly Parsha
When I was growing up, I loved performing in plays. In addition to performance skills, I learned some valuable life lessons in the theatre. Through much of my adolescence, I was part of a theatre troupe called CharActors. Each year, we would learn and rehearse...
by Danielle Altonaga | Jun 11, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Shelach, Weekly Parsha
Imagine this: You have a friend – let’s call him Bob. Bob complains to you: “Nobody likes me. Nobody wants to hang out with me”. “That’s not true!” You exclaim. I am having a bunch of friends over tonight. Come join us.” Everyone comes over, and Bob does too. All of...
by Danielle Altonaga | Apr 23, 2026 | Acharei Mos Kedoshim, Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Have you ever said something and immediately regretted it? Has another person ever hurt your feelings, by saying something that bothered you? Have you ever had a respectful discussion with a friend, and...
