by Rabbi Shaps | Apr 6, 2026 | Pesach, Rabbi Zischa Shaps
As we approach the final days of Pesach, we have an opportunity to pause and reflect on the enduring lessons of the holiday. At the Seder, we retold the story of the Exodus, recreating the experience for ourselves and our children. We ate Matzoh and Maror, recalling...
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 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 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 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 Rabbi Shaps | Nov 20, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Toldos, Weekly Parsha
One of the central themes of this week’s parsha is the story of the blessings—how Yaakov, at Rivka’s instruction, presents himself as Esav and receives the brachos from Yitzchak. The obvious question arises: If Hashem wanted Yaakov to receive these blessings, why...
