Even Holier
Even Holier Shalom, Purim celebrations […]
Category: Torah Portion
The Hidden Identity
The Hidden Identity Shalom, […]
The Secret of Two to One Ratio
The Secret of Two to One Ratio Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the first Torah Portion “Shemot” in the book of Exodus. The book of “Shemot” talks about the Egyptian exile. It opens with the verse: וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּאִים מִצְרָיְמָה אֵת יַעֲקֹב, אִישׁ וּבֵיתוֹ בָּאוּ “And […]
Two Opposed Forces
Two Opposed Forces Shalom, There is a custom for the parents to bless their children on every Friday night as the family gathers together for Kiddush. The words of the blessing are taken from the priestly blessing ברכת כוהנים (Numbers 6:24-26) and the introduction is altered depending on whether the child being […]
Shifting an Entire Paradigm with Just Two Words
Shifting an Entire Paradigm with Just Two Words Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the Torah Portion “Va’Yigash” in the book of Genesis. In the previous Torah portion Yosef has accused Binyamin of stealing. He has threatened to imprison Binyamin. As this Torah portion opens, Yehuda intervenes with Yosef on […]
Good and Bad at the Same Time?
GOOD AND BAD AT THE SAME TIME? Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the Torah Portion “Mi’Ketz” in the book of Genesis. In this portion Torah tells us about Pharaoh’s repeating dream. First, in his dream he saw seven good-looking, fat-fleshed, well-favored cows feeding in the […]
The Power of Eight
The Power of Eight Shalom, Next week, Tuesday evening – Dec. 12th we will light the first Hanukkah candle. The Torah informs us that the world was created in six days and it came to a completion on the seventh day, the Shabbat. Thus, the number six represents the […]
Smaller is Greater
Smaller is Greater Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the Torah Portion “VaYishlakh” in the book of Genesis. Jacob – יעקב returns to the Holy Land after a 20-year stay in Charan, and sends emissaries to Esau in hope of a reconciliation, but his messengers report that his brother is on the warpath with […]
Hebrew vs. Aramaic
Hebrew vs. Aramaic Shalom and happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends and students! This Shabbat we will read Torah portion “Va’Yetzeh”. Here is this portion in a nutshell: Jacob leaving his hometown of Beersheba and goes to Charan. There he marries two sisters – Leah and Rachel. […]
Pottage of Lentils
Pottage of Lentils Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the Torah Portion “Toldot” in the book of Genesis. The big tension between the two twin brothers Jacob – יעקב and Esau is unfolded here. The name Yaakov contains within it the word “eikev” (heel) – עקב Jacob is born holding on to his […]