by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 18, 2022 | Community, Covenant, Education, Fear of God, God, Yitro
When Moses presented the Jews with the prospect of receiving the Torah at Sinai, they respond: “All that Hashem has spoken we will do!” (Exodus 19:8). This expression of acceptance was repeated and expanded in a phrase that has characterized Jewish observance...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2022 | Beshalach, God, Holiness, Sukkot, Temple
God watched over the Children of Israel as they traveled through the desert toward the Promised Land, guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The pillars were a constant presence. At dawn the pillar of fire would stand in place,...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2022 | Beshalach, Redemption
Like his father Jacob who also died in Egypt, Joseph wanted to be buried in the Promised Land. But unlike his father whose body was embalmed and taken to Hebron directly after his passing, Joseph had to wait 139 years until the Jews left Egypt and were able to fulfill...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2022 | Exodus, Israel
As the Hebrews prepare to leave Egypt, Moses reassures them that God will take them to a “land flowing with milk and honey.” This phrase is immensely important, appearing 14 times between Exodus and Deuteronomy, another time in Joshua, twice in Jeremiah, and once in...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2022 | Beshalach, Miracles
After allowing the Jews to leave Egypt, Pharoah suffered a change of heart and gave chase. The situation seemed hopeless as the Jews stood trapped between the sea and the advancing Egyptian army composed of 600 chariots, horsemen, and warriors. The Jews despaired,...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 11, 2022 | Antisemitism, Beshalach, Good and Evil
The attack perpetrated by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, 2023 proved to the world what Israel has known for many years – that Hamas and the terrorists who perpetrate evil against Israel and her citizens are modern-day Amalakites. What exactly do we mean by...
