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...
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...
