The Hagomel Blessing: the Thanksgiving Offering of Today

by Eliyahu Berkowitz | f 15, 2022 | Gratitude, Messiah, Miracles, Prayer, Temple, Tests and Trials, Tzav

The korban todah (thanksgiving offering) was brought by anyone who survived a hazardous situation, such as a life-threatening illness, perilous journey or other hardship. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) lists the classic examples of people who would bring this offering:...

The Blessing of the New Month

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...

What Did Moses Actually See When God Showed Him His Back?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 17, 2022 | Fear of God, God, Hebrew Language, Ki Tisa, Prayer, Resurrection

There is no doubt that Moses was close to God, even speaking with Him “face to face, as one man speaks to another” (Exodus 33:11). But Moses wanted even more and requested, “Oh, let me behold Your Presence!” (33:18). God assented to His faithful servant’s request but...

The Parochet Curtain: Separating Between the Holy and Holy of Holies

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 2, 2022 | God, Holiness, Prayer, Temple, Terumah

In the Tabernacle, and later, in the Temples in Jerusalem, a curtain, called a parochet, separated the “Holy” from the “Holy of Holies.” The only person who passed through this curtain was the Kohen Gadol (high priest) on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In order to...

Song of the Sea

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2022 | Beshalach, Faith, Gratitude, Nisan, Passover, Prayer, Redemption

After the Children of Israel passed through the Reed Sea, God closed the waters, wiping out the Egyptian army that was chasing them. The Hebrews celebrated by singing two songs; the first 18 verses of Exodus 15 make up the Song of the Sea, while the second song,...

What Does the Command to Redeem the Firstborn have to do with the Exodus?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 2, 2022 | Bo, God, Gratitude, Prayer, Temple

Judaism is an ethnic identity that bears with it many religious obligations. It is widely known that Jews circumcise their sons on the eighth day, a ritual called brit milah, as mandated in the Torah. But less well-known is the commandment of pidyon haben, redeeming...