Leadership Lessons Shalom, This Shabbat we will be reading the first portion of the fifth book of Torah – Devarim – דברים (words). This book is also called משנה תורה ‘MISHNEH TORAH’ – ‘Repetition of Torah‘. It is called so, because in this book Moses appeals to People of Israel with the review (repetition) of the events that occurred and the laws that were […]
Mayday or Main Day? Shalom, We are now going through the 21 days of what is called in Hebrew “Yamey Bein HaMetzarim” – ימי בין המצרים Days of Distress. These 21 days refer to the period of time that passed between the breaking through the wall of Jerusalem on the 17th of the month of Tamuz […]
A Fragile Peace Shalom, This Shabbat we will read from the Torah portion ‘Pinchas’. Parts of this Torah portion are frequently read on Rosh Chodesh – ראש חודש (New Moon) and various holidays, because it concludes with a detailed list of the daily offerings, and the additional offerings brought on Shabbat, The first of the month and the festivals of Passover, Shavuot, Rosh […]
CURSE BECOMING A BLESSING Shalom, This Shabbat we will read from the Torah portion ‘Balak’. This portion tells us about Balak, the king of Moab, who invites Balaam the prophet to curse the people of Israel. Balaam asks G-d whether he should go. Initially G-d prohibits Balaam from going to Balak, but when Balaam asks for the second time, […]
The Origins of the Name Yerushalayim Shalom from Ulpan-Or, Next week Wednesday, May 24th we will celebrate “Yom Yerushalayim” – The Jerusalem Day. Yom Yerushalayim, commemorates Jerusalem’s reunification in 1967. This day begins on 28th day of the month of Iyyar in the Hebrew calendar. This year it is a special one commemorating the 50th year of the reunification of Jerusalem. Jerusalem has always […]
NATURAL ANGER vs. HOT TEMPER Shalom, This Shabbat we will read the Torah portion ‘Hukat’. Our portion tells us that after forty years of journeying through the desert, the people of Israel arrive in the wilderness of Zin. Miriam dies, and the people thirst for water. Question: What is the connection between Miriam’s death and the lack of water? Millions of Jewish […]
SEEING IN THE DARK Shalom, The Hebrew month of Tammuz started at the beginning of this week – Sunday, June 25th. Tammuz is the fourth month in the Hebrew calendar, which starts with the month of Nissan. On the 17th of Tammuz – שבעה עשר בתמוז Moses smashed the two tablets with the Ten Commandments, after […]