by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 19, 2023 | Adar, Bible Study, Purim
By Chaim Barzel “…in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, pur—which means “the lot”—was cast before Haman concerning every day and every month, [until it fell on] the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar.” (Esther 3:7) This verse in the Book of Esther is the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 16, 2023 | God, Israel, Messiah, Prayer, Purity, Redemption, Repentance, Rosh Hashana
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Some memories stay with you forever. My yeshiva taught Breslov Hassidut and most of the students went to Uman, Ukraine to spend Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, praying at the burial site of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Around 30,000 Jewish...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2023 | Faith, God, Israel, Judges, Passover, Tests and Trials
By Rabbi Eliezer Mischel As a synagogue rabbi in New Jersey, I often thought of the classic insight that “no good deed goes unpunished.” While celebrating happy events like weddings and bar mitzvahs, I would praise a particular congregant or family in the community...
by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki | f 9, 2023 | Holiness, Shabbat, Yitro
In the course of my work, I frequently conduct Bible studies in Christian churches and seminaries. One of my main goals in these teachings is to sensitize my audience to the precise meaning of the text. Anyone who has heard me teach will be familiar with my constant...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 5, 2023 | Bible Study, Tu B'shvat
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Before I became religious I did not take public celebrations seriously, but all of my energy went into New Year’s eve. Unfortunately, that usually meant drinking to excess and little else. So when I found out that Judaism has FOUR new...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2023 | Israel, Shevat, Tu B'shvat, Zechariah
By Chaim Barzel This verse from Zechariah is the very first verse in the Hebrew Bible that mentions the month of Shevat. But it’s only the second that mentions “the eleventh month.” Do you know where “the eleven month” is first mentioned? I’ll give you hint –...
