by Elisha Guberman | May 21, 2025 | Behar Bechukosai, Elisha Guberman, Weekly Parsha
This week, we read a double Parsha: Behar-Bechukotai—and it’s the second parsha, Bechukotai, that is very special. Not only because it’s my Bar Mitzvah Parsha, but also because it brings Sefer Vayikra to a dramatic and meaningful close. Among the...
by Danielle Altonaga | May 16, 2025 | Danielle Altonaga, Emor, Weekly Parsha
When I was in grade 6, I was delighted to be accepted into a special arts program for grades 7 and 8. In addition to the unique classes, we had the privilege of going on exciting field trips, such as to the theatre, the orchestra, and art exhibits. We got to...
by Yiska Guberman | May 8, 2025 | Acharei Mos Kedoshim, Weekly Parsha, Yiska Guberman
This Shabbat, we read two parshiyot that are connected: Acharei Mot and Kedoshim.Parshat Acharei Mot begins by noting that these words were spoken “after the death of Aaron’s two sons,” Nadav and Avihu, who died when they came too close to God – a tragic...
by Rabbi Altonaga | May 1, 2025 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Tazria, Weekly Parsha
At NASA, when an endeavour is unsuccessful, they don’t call it failure, they call it “an early attempt.” There are two sides of this coin that make it such an effective methodology. 1. Wallowing in failure never helped anyone. If you let...
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 Yiska Guberman | Apr 3, 2025 | Passover, Pesach, Weekly Parsha, Yiska Guberman
Parshat Vayikra begins with an unusual detail in its very first word: “וַיִּקְרָא” (Vayikra—“And He called”). The aleph at the end of the word is written smaller than usual in the Torah. This seemingly minor scribal detail carries deep significance,...