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 Danielle Altonaga | Mar 6, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Ki Sisa, Weekly Parsha
Have you ever been truly inspired by something? Perhaps a personal miracle, an amazing event, or a profound lesson? You felt moved. You felt uplifted. You vowed to make a big change. Not to be a downer, but…did the change last? Or did the inspiration eventually...
by Shmuel Klein | Feb 19, 2026 | Rabbi Shmuel Klein, Terumah, Weekly Parsha
This week Hashem says: “וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ — Make for Me a sanctuary,וְשָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם — and I will dwell among them.” It doesn’t say that Hashem will dwell “in it (the sanctuary)” — but “among them.” The Mishkan (Tabernacle) wasn’t just about building a...
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 Danielle Altonaga | Feb 6, 2026 | Danielle Altonaga, Weekly Parsha, Yisro
Who doesn’t love a good simcha? Family, friends, and, of course, great food! Many of us appreciate a delicious meal, but have you ever thought about its spiritual impact? In this week’s Torah portion, Jethro converts to Judaism, and as part of the celebration,...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Jan 29, 2026 | Beshalach, Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
I was in Toronto this week for my brother-in-law’s wedding. The day before the wedding there was a terrible storm. Over 60 centimetres of snow fell for the largest snowfall of a Toronto storm in recorded history. Flights were cancelled. Cars...
