by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki | f 30, 2023 | Ki Tavo
Towards the end of this week’s Torah portion, the portion of Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8), we find one of the darkest passages in the entire Bible. Fifty-four consecutive verses detail the harsh punishments that will befall the people of Israel should they turn...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 28, 2023 | Ki Tavo, Shabbat
A few years ago, the concept of “Half Shabbat” became a hot topic in the Jewish world. This referred to Jewish Orthodox teenagers who were otherwise basically Sabbath observant but were texting each other on their smartphones in violation of the Sabbath. Dr. David...
by Rabbi Elie Mischel | f 27, 2023 | Ki Tavo, Kindness and Compassion, Rosh Hashana
Every year on Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) morning, Rabbi Yeshaya of Kerestier (Hungary, 1851 – 1925) would seclude himself in his study for about 10 minutes before the blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn). One year, one of his followers, who was curious to see how...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 11, 2023 | Ki Tavo
This Torah portion contains the extended blessings and curses which the Children of Israel will earn, depending on whether they keep or violate God’s covenant. It also details the ceremony of the first fruits which must be brought to the Temple, as well as the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 21, 2022 | Faith, God, Israel, Ki Tavo, Marriage and Relationships, Parenting, Repentance, Rosh Hashana
By Chaim Barzel We have all made New Year’s resolutions: to eat healthier, to get to sleep earlier, to make up with an old friend, etc. That is because the new year is a time of renewal. A new year means the opportunity to start over, and this year we want to do...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 20, 2022 | Community, Ki Tavo
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I had a friend named Elyon Shemesh who was a gifted drummer and follower of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach (a rabbi and composer). Though born in Israel, he spoke fluent and unaccented English. One time, he was visiting New York City and he went to...
