After our forefather Yaacov received the patriarchal blessing from his father Yitzchok in a seemingly manipulative fashion, the Torah tells us that Yitzchok realized that Yaacov, rather than Aisav, was indeed worthy, and the one deserving to receive the blessing. Aisav was burning mad and decided to eventually kill Yaacov. Rivka was informed through prophecy …
Category: SHABBAT MESSAGES
Nov 16
Nothing’s Changed!
Would you believe that this week’s Torah portion dedicates a significant amount of time discussing our forefather Yitzchok’s dealing with Avimelech the King of Philistines in the land of Gerar. Gerar is located in the southern coastal area of the land of Israel, a.k.a. Gaza. In 4000 years, nothing has changed. The Torah tells us …
Nov 09
It Makes a Difference!
At this time, when our brethren are at war and we are experiencing much uncertainty and upset over the upsurge of antisemitism in the US and around the world, the frequent thought flashing through our minds is, “What can we do?” As Jews, we turn to prayer, we contribute, we contact our relatives and friends …
Nov 02
Lift Our Eyes!
The approach of sadistic, barbaric and repulsive terror gangs is nothing new. In this week’s Parsha, the Torah relates to us that two angels came to the city of Sedom with the mission of rescuing Avraham’s nephew Lot and his family, and to destroy the utterly wicked cities of Sedom and Amorah. Sedom had an …
Oct 26
Make The Palace Shine!
This week’s Parsha begins with G-d’s first communication to our forefather Avraham, who was 75 years old at the time. Our sages debate at which age Avraham recognized that there is a Creator. It was either at the tender age of three or when he was 48 years old. During this time, aside from just …
Oct 19
What Counts!
This week we read about the greatest apocalypse the world experienced, the great flood of Noach that occurred 1656 years after the world was created. What triggered such a disaster? The Torah tells us that the inhabitants of the world became severely immoral. However, it was the rampant stealing which made G-d decide to destroy …
Oct 12
Who We Are!
A critical moment like this, is an opportune time to pause and appreciate who we truly are. During a conversation with an acquaintance of mine, out of deep frustration and pain over the Hamas murderous and unthinkable atrocities they did to our fellow Jews, he said, Israel should go into Gaza and respond in the …