by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 5, 2024 | Covenant, Mishpatim
In the Torah portion of Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24-18), we encounter a profound moment in the journey of the Israelite people. Following the awe-inspiring revelation at Sinai, when the Ten Commandments were given, a list of detailed laws is presented. This sets the...
by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki | f 22, 2023 | Covenant, Vayeitzei
At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3), we find Jacob on the run after leaving home in the wake of the events surrounding his acquisition of his father’s blessings. Jacob’s brother, Esau, vowed to kill Jacob after the death of...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2022 | Covenant, Hebrew Language, Mikeitz, Redemption, Tests and Trials
It is time for a Bible quiz. QUESTION: Who began life as the son of slaves and rose to live in Pharoah’s house? ANSWER: Everyone knows that is Moses. QUESTION: Who tricked his twin and got his father’s blessing? ANSWER: Everyone knows that was Jacob. Who was known for...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2022 | Covenant, God, Israel, Psalms
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I was in a coffee shop the other day when my friend approached me and whispered in my ear. Well, actually, he pretended to whisper but everyone within earshot heard and went suddenly silent. “I need to tell you a secret,” he whispered. To be...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 21, 2022 | Chanukah, Covenant, Faith, Mikeitz, Mourning
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Many scholars place Joseph’s descent to Egypt at around 1500 BCE. The Maccabees dedicated the Temple in year 165 BCE. These two events were separated by more than one thousand years and seem entirely disconnected, but the Torah portion that...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 24, 2022 | Antisemitism, Chosen Nation, Community, Covenant, God, Gratitude, Israel, Psalms, Tests and Trials
The recent surge in antisemitism from the Black Hebrew community regurgitates age-old tropes, namely that another group has replaced the Jews as God’s Chosen People. When Christianity first broke off from Judaism 2,000 years ago, the younger religion claimed that...
