by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2023 | Happiness and Joy, Israel, Kindness and Compassion, Purity, Vayeira
The Torah portion of Vayeira continues the story of Abraham as he establishes the foundation for the Jewish nation. Having circumcised himself at God’s command, he now encounters three visitors as he recuperates. They bring him news. Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 17, 2022 | Toldot
By Rabbi Elie Mischel Abraham was the man who brought monotheism to the world. He and Sarah taught thousands upon thousands of their fellow men and women about God. Their tent was always open for those in need. And he passed the most horrible of tests with flying...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 19, 2022 | Parenting, Toldot
Father’s Day is a delightful blend of a secular and religious holiday, combining consumerism with the Biblical mandate to “Honor thy father.” But is it artificially amplified? Are fathers really that important? Mothers are clearly necessary to raise a baby, but the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 26, 2021 | Messiah, Vayeishev
The narrative of Joseph’s descent into Egypt is put aside for one chapter as the Torah relates the unusual story of the levirate marriage between Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar. This unusual union resulted in twins and, similar to Jacob and Esau, the twins...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 28, 2021 | Israel
The Torah says that Ishmael was a wild child, whose bad behavior caused him to be kicked out of the household of Abraham. Sarah sees Ishmael’s evil practices and banishes him and his mother Hagar out of their home. Ishmael goes on to become a thorn in the side of his...