Parsha: Tzav and Pesach (2025)
Dear Kehila, What a wonderful Chag we had! It was great to see so many of you in Shule over yomtov. I’m sure you all had meaningful and joyous Seders this year. Our communal second night Seder was really special. There was fun, laughter, and inspiration all around. One of the messages I reflect on […]
Parsha: Pesach Message (2025)
When our children teach US. One of the most beautiful parts of the Seder is when we recite the words ״הדמעש איהו״ . It is towards the beginning of the Seder, before some of the children get tired, before some of the adults get hungry, and hopefully before some wine stains on the clean white […]
Parsha: Vayikra (2025)
Do you sometimes try to avoid hard work? Do you at times want to retreat when a task becomes challenging? It is natural to react this way. Jewish wisdom teaches us that we have a “natural soul,” that always wants the easy way out. The Chasidic masters call this soul the Nefesh Habahamit (lit. “the […]
Parsha: Pikudei (2025)
I once heard a quote that “people don’t care how much you know, but everyone wants to know how much you care.” It’s not a line from the Torah or from the Talmud. However, it does bring out an important theme in this weeks Parsha. There are many Mitzvot and customs that we love doing […]
Parsha: Vayakhel (2025)
There is a difference between a house and a home. A house is merely a physical structure, that provides shelter and a place to live. A home carries a more personal and emotional connotation, encompassing feelings of belonging and comfort. It is far easier to have a house than to create a “home.” What is […]
Parsha: Purim (2025)
A day bursting with joy, excitement, and celebration. It commemorates our nation’s miraculous salvation more than two millennia ago. What makes the story of Purim unique is expressed in the words of the Megillah ונהפך הוא – “it turned upside down.” What was first a time of tragedy turned into great success and happiness. When […]
Parsha: Tetzaveh (2025)
As we get ready for Purim we read a special portion of the Torah called Parshat Zachor. It is the story of Amalek, and the commandment to get rid of this enemy. Amalek is the nation that attacked the Jewish people out of pure hatred. They represent the enemies of the Jewish people that want […]
Parsha: Teruma (2025)
What does one do during these troubling and emotional times? What is the Jewish response? It is precisely at these moments that we have to dig within and remember who we are and our story. We can’t let our enemies define us or control our narrative. We have a rich heritage and history. We have […]
Parsha: Mishpotim (2025)
Last week on Shabbat morning Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov was released after spending 498 days in captivity. One of the first things Alexander did was to thank G-d for his miraculous survival and eventual freedom. On that first Sunday morning, after his release, Alexander put on tefillin and prayed with the assistance of Rabbi Berel Lazar, […]
Parsha: Beshalach (2025)
“March forward,” they did. Not long after, the Jewish people experienced one of the greatest miracles of all time, the splitting of the sea. In life we sometimes find ourselves surrounded by challenges, and we ask ourselves, “what am I supposed to do?” G-d’s response is, “march forward.” Keep climbing, for very soon if you […]