by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Hebrew Language, Israel, Re’eih, Temple
One year ago, I fulfilled my lifelong dream and moved from the suburbs of New Jersey to the Land of Israel. We moved to the small town of Efrat, just outside of Bethlehem, trading our view of the local gas station and pizza shop in New Jersey for a view of the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 19, 2022 | Israel
Tisha B’Av, commemorating the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, marks the beginning of a period of mourning and consolation. This is reflected in the selections from the Prophets that read in the synagogue on Shabbat. For seven weeks between Tisha B’Av and Rosh...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 19, 2022 | Eikev, God, Israel, Miracles
Once, I went out to the forest next to Bat Ayin to pray, or, more accurately, to have a conversation with my Creator. Israel is a beautiful place, especially if you have the eyes to see its inner beauty. As I sat there, I saw how the thorn bushes were struggling (and,...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 16, 2022 | Chosen Nation, Covenant, Eikev, Israel
Who wouldn’t want free real estate? So when God first approached Abraham and said he was giving his descendants the land of Israel, of course, he said ‘yes!’ But why did God make the offer? Was it because the Jewish people were so amazing? Even with forefathers like...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 11, 2022 | 15th of Av, Community, Happiness and Joy, Israel, Marriage and Relationships, Ninth of Av, Psalms, Temple, Yom Kippur
The fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Av is a post-biblical holiday. According to Jewish tradition, it is one of the happiest days of the year, as the Mishna states: “Israel had no holidays as joyous as Tu B’Av (the 15th of the Hebrew month of Av) and Yom Kippur...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2022 | Chosen Nation, Covenant, Devarim, God, Israel, Revelation and Prophecy
The annual month of reserve duty in the Israeli army brings together men from all segments of society who would typically not meet. But, since we are all dressed in green and depend on each other, we get along, accepting each other’s differences and accepting the duty...
