by Rabbi Pesach Wolicki | f 24, 2024 | Faith, Va'etchanan
“You shall bind them as a sign on your arm, they shall be for ornaments between your eyes.” The practice of phylacteries Practically speaking, this verse commands the donning of phylacteries. This daily practice is still done by all Jewish males to this...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 18, 2024 | Bo
In our fast-paced modern world, where the deluge of information and the constant demand for productivity can often lead to a disconnect between thought and action, the ancient Jewish ritual of donning phylacteries, or tefillin, offers a profound insight into the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2022 | God, Holiness, Israel, Resurrection, Vayishlach
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz The Biblical account of Jacob’s first encounter with God is an amazing story. He dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending the ladder. Understandably shaken, Jacob declares that the site where the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2022 | God, Happiness and Joy, Israel, Lech Lecha
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I have a special personal connection with this week’s Torah reading. 31 years ago, I was a chef in a fancy restaurant in Manhattan. I had a cool motorcycle and lots of cash to party and play. I had long hair and a tattoo. But I was angry all...
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...
