by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 16, 2024 | Antisemitism, Bo, Light Unto the Nations
The Torah portion of Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16) tells of the final three plagues visited upon the Egyptians before the Exodus from Egypt. The Torah notes that during the ninth plague of darkness, while the Egyptians could not see one another or move around, “all the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2024 | Faith, Miracles, Va'eira
Have you ever wondered why, in the story of the Exodus from Egypt, God chose to perform such grand miracles? What was the reason behind turning rivers into blood or parting the Red Sea? God certainly didn’t need to perform miracles to save the Israelites from...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 7, 2024 | Light Unto the Nations, Va'eira
In an insightful interpretation by Rabbi Pinchas Polonsky, the story of the Exodus is presented not just as a pivotal chapter in Jewish history, but as a defining moment in the spiritual journey of all humanity. The grand revelation of God during the Exodus, as...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2024 | Shemot, Tests and Trials
The beginning of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt is marked by Pharaoh’s fearful decree: “Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase” (Exodus 1:10). Yet, paradoxically, in response to increasing oppression, the Israelites flourished:...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2024 | Chosen Nation, Redemption, Shemot, Tests and Trials
The Torah portion of Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1), which opens the Book of Exodus, recounts the transition of the Children of Israel from their esteemed position within Egyptian society to a state of harsh subjugation and relentless oppression. This period of suffering and...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2023 | Faith, Vayechi
The Fear of Retribution Following the death of their father, Jacob, Joseph’s brothers are gripped by a foreboding fear. They anticipate that Joseph, now free from any obligation to his father, might seek retribution for the grave injustice they had done to him...
