by Rabbi Shaps | Nov 3, 2023 | Vayera, Weekly Parsha
I can’t believe this could ever happen! Most of us have been saying these words again and again over the past few weeks. We couldn’t believe that Hamas could be so depraved as they massacred so many. We can’t believe how people are turning on Israel and defending...
by Rabbi Gotlib | Oct 13, 2023 | Breishis, Israel, Rabbi Gotlib, Weekly Parsha
“In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” It’s one of the most well known lines of any book, written at any point in history. But why does the Torah specifically start there? The word “Torah” literally means “teaching,” so if the whole point is for us...
by Danielle Altonaga | Sep 22, 2023 | Danielle Altonaga, Haazinu, Weekly Parsha
We just had Rosh Hashanah, complete with apples, honey, and (hopefully) a reality check! On Rosh Hashanah, we crowned G-d king. We reminded ourselves that our health, wealth and success all come from G-d, and we prayed for a sweet year. Interestingly, in this week’s...
by Rabbi Shaps | Sep 7, 2023 | Nitzavim, Rabbi Zischa Shaps, Rosh Hashana, Weekly Parsha
A week from Sunday we will be hearing the sound of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah. The likelihood is that the Baal Toke’a – the one who blows for the congregation, will blow again later that day for someone else who couldn’t come to shul. The JET Shofar blowing and...
by Rabbi Altonaga | Aug 24, 2023 | Rabbi Michael Altonaga, Weekly Parsha
“Aba (Dad),” my son asked me, “how will I become an aba?” The question has many forms, but any one brings sweat to the brow of parents everywhere. Fortunately for me, my mother had just gotten me the book “Stuff Every Dad Should Know.” The book helpfully...
by Rabbi Gotlib | Aug 14, 2023 | Rabbi Gotlib, Weekly Parsha
This week’s parshah open with a short, but powerful powerful verse: “רְאֵ֗ה אָנֹכִ֛י נֹתֵ֥ן לִפְנֵיכֶ֖ם הַיּ֑וֹם בְּרָכָ֖ה וּקְלָלָֽה׃” “See, this day I set before you blessing and curse:” Deuteronomy 11:26 One listening to the parshah being...
