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...
by Rabbi Shaps | Oct 23, 2025 | Noach, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
The largest cruise ship in the world today is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. It stretches an incredible 365 meters long and can carry up to 7,600 passengers. Despite its size, it rarely spends more than a few days at sea before docking for passengers to...
by Rabbi Shaps | Sep 25, 2025 | Nitzavim, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha, Yom Kippur
The Shabbos between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is called Shabbos Shuva, from the opening words of the Haftarah: Shuva Yisrael—“Return, O Israel.” It reminds us that these days are meant for reflection, recalibration, and recommitment as we prepare to ask...
by Rabbi Shaps | Aug 28, 2025 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Shoftim, Weekly Parsha
We often say, “Two heads are better than one.” But is that always true? Sometimes, two people working together can actually create more problems—especially when they don’t share the same values or perspective. So when are “two” truly better than one? In this week’s...
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...
