by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 10, 2023 | Kedoshim
The portion of Kedoshim includes moral and ritual laws designed to increase the holiness of the nation, as well as punishments for many of the transgressions mentioned in Acharei Mot. Holiness Leviticus 19:1-37 This unit begins with an exhortation to “be holy”. The...
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 –...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 14, 2022 | Community, Happiness and Joy, Ki Tavo
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I can’t stand when people tell me to cheer up. How dare they tell me to be happy. It is infuriating. If I want to sink into a deep and dark depression, I will do so. And I generally do, at every party and celebration. You can’t...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2022 | Ki Tavo, Kindness and Compassion, Prayer
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz There is a Hasidic story about a king who became angry and banished his son, the prince. After five years, the king regretted his actions and sent a messenger to return his son to the palace. “But I do not want him to be angry at me when he...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Holiness, Israel, Ki Tavo, Temple
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz One year, I was doing my reserve duty in the Negev on a small base. On Friday night, I was guarding the front gate. To pass the time, I began learning about Bikkurim, the first fruits which are brought as an offering in the Temple. The sages...
