(Torah Portion Beshalach) Mayim! The Torah records two occurrences where waters split: The first was during creation, when G-d split the waters of the world suspending half of the waters in the Heavens with the remainder left on earth forming the oceans, rivers and lakes. The second is when G-d split the waters of the …
Category: 5775
Sep 26
Getting Back At!
(Torah Portion Yisro) Getting Back At! This past summer, the Ice Bucket challenge to raise awareness and funds towards research for treating the dreadful ALS disease swept the country. There was a different Ice Bucket challenge that the Nazi’s employed upon innocent women. Alisa Shaffer, a 92 year old Auschwitz survivor, recently passed away and …
Sep 26
Easing the Burden!
(Torah Portion Mishpatim) Easing the Burden! G-d dispatched Moshe to lead the Jews from Egypt. Moshe went to the Pharoh, and in the name of G-d, asked for their release. Pharoh not only refused, but he made matters worse for the Jews, decreeing that they work harder and produce more than they had done before. …
Sep 26
Forever One!
(Torah Portion Terumah) Forever One! Raising funds for a worthy cause is usually a daunting task, requiring publicity, personal visits to donors, incentives etc. This week’s portion describes the fundraising campaign for the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan – Tabernacle – G-d’s dwelling place on earth. This campaign was unusual because a …
Sep 26
Memories Stimulate!
(Torah Portion Tetzaveh) Memories Stimulate! After the nations of the world heard that the Jews were miraculously freed from Egypt and that G-d orchestrated an awesome salvation at the Red Sea, they were spellbound and awed by the Jewish Nation. Only one nation dared wage war against the Jews, attacking them by surprise. This was …
Sep 26
Celebrate!
(Torah Portion Ki Sisa) Celebrate! For more than a month there has been a flurry of news regarding the controversy over Prime Minister Bibi Natanyahu’s speech to congress. What effect his speech will have, is up to the jury and time to decide. On Purim we will all listen to the Megilla of Esther relating …
Sep 26
We Make it Tangible!
(Torah Portion Vayakail/Pekudai) We Make it Tangible! A Jewish marriage ceremony is called Kiddushin – Sanctification, because the couple begins living a sanctified life. This sanctification comes about by the many aspects of the laws of family purity that breathe holiness into one’s marriage and home. There are also other Mitzvos – commands – that …
Sep 20
Catch the Spirit
(Torah Portion Noach) Catch the Spirit! The movie, “Noah” that recently played in the theaters has piqued the interest of many people to find out the facts given in our Torah and Oral tradition concerning Noah, the flood and the Ark. It is highly recommended to read this week’s Torah portion with Rashi’s commentary (Artscroll …
Sep 20
Believers
(Torah Portion Lech Lecha) Believers! The union between our forefather Avraham and our matriarch Sarah was one that naturally could not bear children. That changed when G-d informed Avraham that he would be blessed with progeny. As soon as Avraham heard this wonderful and miraculous promise from G-d he believed it. The Torah admires Avraham …
Sep 20
Creating Angels
(Torah Portion Vayairah) Creating Angels! On the third day after Avraham circumcised himself, he was visited by three angels who disguised themselves as Bedouins. Avraham, the consummate pillar of Chesed, quickly attended to all his guest’s needs despite his pain. Each of the angels had a unique mission; one was sent to heal Avraham, one …