Parsha: Vayeitzei (2024)
There’s a powerful idea in the Parsha this week that can be a source of inspiration and resilience. When Leah gave birth to her fourth son, she named him Yehudah (Judah), saying: “This time, I thank (“odeh”) G-d.” The Midrash comments that this was the first instance in all of history of someone thanking G-d.…
Parsha: Toldot (2024)
Digging wells? A central focus of Isaacs life is focused on digging wells. What does it teach us? How is it relevant ? The Torah puts an emphasis on Issac digging wells. A seemingly unimportant detail in the life of Issac. One lesson that we can learn is the concept of perseverance. Such an important…
Parsha: Chayei Sara (2024)
What are the most important moments in life? It is easy to get distracted from what we know really matters to us. I heard a good line a few years ago. “If what you’re stressed about won’t matter to you in five years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes on it.” When we step back…
Parsha: Vayeira (2024)
One of the key ingredients to Jewish survival throughout the ages was the constant presence of Synagogues and institutions of Jewish learning. Whenever Jewish people would arrive in a new place they would make sure to set up a spiritual home. It is due to this dedication and sacrifice that our heritage is still accessible…
Parsha: B’H Parshat Lech Lecha (2024)
In order to understand our own life’s journey and story, we sometimes have to look back at our origins. This week’s Parsha tells the story of the first Jew. The story of Avraham who trailblazed the path for all future Jewish people. Avraham had some experiences that we all come across during our lifetime as…
Parsha: Noach (2024)
Are you a leader or a follower? It is easy to just go with the flow. First we can see what everyone around us is doing, and then decide to follow suit. Why make a scene and cause an uncomfortable situation by standing out? We might as well just “fit in”? While this is how…
Parsha: Simchat Torah (2024)
B’H This Thursday and Friday will be Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. On Shmini Atzeres we will be saying Yizkor. A very moving and chilling Yizkor, as it is the Yahrzeit of the many victims of Oct 7 last year. As a people we mourn the loss, but we also continue to build and grow.…
Parsha: Netzavim (2024)
It’s the last Shabbat of the Year! It is also the last Shabbat of the month of Elul. Usually, the last Shabbat of the month has a unique status. It is called Shabbat Mevorchim- The Shabbat that blesses. This is because it is on the Shabbat that immediately precedes the next new month, which uses…
Parsha: Ki Savo (2024)
To wait fourteen years to celebrate is quite a long time. Imagine waiting fourteen years before celebrating a wedding anniversary. The Jewish people were given a similar type of restraint. Every year there was a celebration and joy that took place in Jerusalem. It’s called “Bikurim”. It is the Mitzvah to bring the first harvest…
Parsha: Ki Teitzei (2024)
There is a famous saying that goes, “the best defence is offence.” Sometimes we wait for prompting or for something to come our way, and only then, do we respond. We would feel much more in control if we would be more proactive. We would get a lot more done, when we pre-empt a negative…