by Rabbi Shaps | Aug 7, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Va'eschanan, Weekly Parsha
In the aftermath of World War II, countless Jewish children across Europe had been hidden in orphanages, convents, and monasteries to protect them from Nazi persecution. Many of these institutions were run by nuns or priests who, despite the risks, took the children...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jul 3, 2025 | Chukas, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Uncategorized, Weekly Parsha
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach used to tell a powerful story about “Yosele the Miser.” He was scorned by everyone in town for being notoriously stingy. No one had a good word to say about him. But the day after Yosele passed away, something strange happened: people...
by Rabbi Shaps | May 29, 2025 | Bamidbar, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
With the recent visit of King Charles to Ottawa, one naturally begins to think about lineage and ancestry. We can almost picture the long line of Kings and Queens that date back hundreds of years. Royalty and titles are inherited, not necessarily earned. Yet, ancestry...
by Rabbi Shaps | Apr 24, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Shemini, Weekly Parsha
“With friends like these, who needs enemies?” We’ve all heard that saying. The pain inflicted by someone we trust as a friend can cut much deeper because our guard is down. When dealing with an obvious enemy, we remain vigilant, ensuring they don’t harm us. The...
by Rabbi Shaps | Mar 20, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Vayakel, Weekly Parsha
Research suggests that a healthy balance in relationships and interactions involves a ratio of 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative interaction. The idea, popularized by relationship researcher John Gottman, is that healthy relationships and...
by Rabbi Shaps | Feb 6, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
The phrase “Manna from Heaven” is often used to describe an unexpected gift or a sudden stroke of good fortune. But is that truly what Manna was? In reality, the Manna provided to the Jewish people in the desert was not just a one-time gift; it was a daily...
