by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2022 | Antisemitism, Israel, Zechariah
In June 2004, the Israeli Knesset instituted Herzl Day to be observed on the 10th of Iyar, Theodor Herzl’s birthday. On this day, a state memorial service is held on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem and at IDF camps and schools. Time is devoted to learning about the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 28, 2022 | Acharei Mot, Amos, Holiness, Israel, Temple
The Torah portion of Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16-18) begins with a reference to the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who died bringing a “foreign fire” while performing the service in the Tabernacle. Directly after this personal tragedy, God...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2022 | Israel, Kings, Metzorah, Miracles, Nisan, Passover, Tazriah, Temple
Every week a portion from the Torah is read aloud in the synagogue, as well as a corresponding portion from the Prophets that is thematically connected to the Torah portion called the haftarah. The portion of the Torah called Tazria (Leviticus 12-13) is accompanied...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 16, 2022 | Isaiah, Israel, Kindness and Compassion, Light Unto the Nations
It was only three weeks ago that Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking a massive humanitarian crisis in the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. Even before the invasion, as news spread that a Russian invasion of Ukraine was coming soon, Israel365...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 24, 2022 | Community, Isaiah, Prayer, Shabbat, Temple, Tishrei
The Shabbat which precedes Rosh Chodesh (new month), the beginning of a Hebrew month, is referred to as Shabbat Mevorchim, or the Shabbat when we bless. On this Shabbat a special prayer is recited after the Torah is read but before the Torah scroll is returned to the...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 24, 2021 | Community, Faith, Isaiah
Christmas makes many Jews nervous, and for good reason! While for Christians, Christmas is a day to celebrate peace on earth, I grew up in a typical Jewish family and was taught not to even say, “Merry Christmas” because, throughout history, the holiday was used as an...