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 and intact.

Perhaps the very first public institution of such was created by Avraham the first Jew.

וַיִּטַּע אֵשֶׁל בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע וַיִּקְרָא שָׁם בְּשֵׁם ה’ אֵל עוֹלָם

“Avraham planted an orchard and opened an inn in Beersheba. There he proclaimed the name of G-d.”

Avraham’s inn was the first public institution devoted to the spreading and teaching of the belief in the one G-d and to the ethical and moral behaviour that follows from this belief.

By establishing a public institution that challenged the world’s primitive view of idolatry, Avraham promoted the awareness of living a moral life even among people who never actually visited his inn. As its name spread, Abraham’s inn had a lot of influence.

Likewise, today, we emulate Avrahams ways with our own “spiritual inn”. The very existence of Synagogues and institutions of Jewish learning can have great positive influence upon a city simply by the mere virtue of their presence, this is of course in addition to the value of the study and prayer that takes place within their walls.

The same thing applies to our homes. A home that is imbued with Jewish values can be a source of light for ourselves, friends and neighbours.

We shouldn’t underestimate the power of the presence of a Jewish home. Or undervalue the impact it has on the rest of the homes in our proximity.

Shabbat Shalom!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 and intact.

Perhaps the very first public institution of such was created by Avraham the first Jew.

וַיִּטַּע אֵשֶׁל בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע וַיִּקְרָא שָׁם בְּשֵׁם ה’ אֵל עוֹלָם

“Avraham planted an orchard and opened an inn in Beersheba. There he proclaimed the name of G-d.”

Avraham’s inn was the first public institution devoted to the spreading and teaching of the belief in the one G-d and to the ethical and moral behaviour that follows from this belief.

By establishing a public institution that challenged the world’s primitive view of idolatry, Avraham promoted the awareness of living a moral life even among people who never actually visited his inn. As its name spread, Abraham’s inn had a lot of influence.

Likewise, today, we emulate Avrahams ways with our own “spiritual inn”. The very existence of Synagogues and institutions of Jewish learning can have great positive influence upon a city simply by the mere virtue of their presence, this is of course in addition to the value of the study and prayer that takes place within their walls.

The same thing applies to our homes. A home that is imbued with Jewish values can be a source of light for ourselves, friends and neighbours.

We shouldn’t underestimate the power of the presence of a Jewish home. Or undervalue the impact it has on the rest of the homes in our proximity.

Shabbat Shalom!