by Rabbi Shaps | Feb 23, 2023 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Many years ago, when my wife, Lauren ran NCSY Ottawa, I recall going to programs and hearing a particular cheer. When someone would get up to speak, the kids would say “You look so beautiful, as usual, inside and outside, especially...
by Rabbi Shaps | Jan 27, 2023 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
One of the most famous sections of the Hagaddah is the questions of the Four Sons. Each one has a different question and answer, yet it is not so easy to differentiate between the Wicked Son and the others. On the surface his question seems to be reasonable. Yet, we...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Dec 29, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
A study performed by Yale University concluded that a stressful lifestyle can affect your health at the DNA level. Stress can cause negative health consequences even in someone who does not have other physical or mental health...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Dec 2, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
When was the last time you climbed a ladder? Or for that matter climbed down a ladder. Ladders are used to reach a higher place and they are used to climb down into the depths. Early on in this week’s Parsha, Yaakov has a dream in which he sees a ladder spanning from...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Nov 4, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Weekly Parsha
Words matter. As we dedicate the month of November to Clean Speech, we are focused on the words we say and the effect they have on both ourselves and others. We have all have disagreements. How do they end? Do they disappear or do they get worse? It likely depends on...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Oct 7, 2022 | Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Sukkot
Moishe is driving in Jerusalem. He’s late for a meeting and looking for a parking space but can’t find one. In desperation, he turns his face upwards and says, “Lord, if you find me a parking space, I promise that I’ll eat...
