by Rabbi Altonaga | Nov 18, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
What did you do today? Did you use your time to the fullest? This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah), begins with the mention of Sarah’s death. And the life of Sarah was one hundred years and twenty years and seven years; [these were]...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Oct 21, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Every day of creation, Hashem says “it was good,” except for one… On the second day, there is no mention of it being good. Why not? Rabbi Hanina said: Because on that day discord entered the world, as it says “And God said, Let there be a firmament...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Sep 22, 2022 | Nitzavim, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
In this week’s Torah portion, it says: …I have placed life and death before you, blessing and curse, and you should choose life, so that you will live… Devarim 30:19 What kind of commandment is that? Would we have thought that death was the better option? Why...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Aug 25, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Re'eh, Weekly Parsha
President Biden has announced a plan to reduce and, in some cases, totally forgive student loans. Now, without getting into the politics of this decision as a government policy instituted in this way, it’s worth noting, as Jews, that this very week’s Torah portion...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jul 29, 2022 | Mattos, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
How do you become a self made man? Is it all about personal motivation and always striving forward? Is it about having a goal that you constantly focus on? The rags to riches story captures our imagination. We want to hear stories about visionaries who have made their...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jul 8, 2022 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
Have you ever done a trust fall? It’s when you stand straight up with your eyes closed. Then while still in standing position you lean back slowly until you fall backwards. Then you trust that your friend(s) just behind you catch you before you plummet to the...
