Last week in Parshat Miketz we learned about the trials and
tribulations of Joseph in Egypt as he progressed
from inmate to number two man in Egypt. We learned about the entry into Egypt
of ten of his brothers seeking grain and supplies. This was followed by the
detaining of Simon by Joseph as the other
brothers were sent back […]
Jacob’s journey through life continues. He has already
encountered one struggle after another. After leaving home at a young age he
has to deal with the likes of Laban. Laban continually tries to cheat Jacob,
but Jacob prevails. Not only with respect to marriage, but also regarding just
compensation for his many years of service to Laban which resulted […]
So, Isaac and Rebecca wanted a child. OK. Nothing unusual about that. Well, nothing unusual accept for the fact that they produced twins. Esau and Jacob. But these were no ordinary twins. Rebecca experienced an unusually hard labor. Why? Because the twins seemed to be fighting in her womb. And this began the saga of Jacob […]
Robert Bowers—
Your name brings a bitter taste to my mouth.
Antisemite. Jew hater. Abomination.
Attacker of innocent people.
People who did you no
harm.
Murderer of G-d’s beloved children.
Curse you and all who are like you.
Your punishment from man may be swift.
It may be of short duration.
But your punishment from our G-d —
Will be eternal and everlasting.
You have caused […]
So, it’s that time of the year again. It’s time to draw closer to G-d. It’s time to pray that the upcoming year is a good year. But how do we attain this lofty goal? Our High Holiday prayers conveniently provide the magic formula. Just do these three things and watch any bad decree miraculously […]
This D’var is dedicated to the memory of my father and to everyone who has lost someone of significance.
Vaeschanan. What a noteworthy Parsha filled with a plethora of major topics. It readily lends itself to a D’var Torah. Moses, nearing death, gathers the B’nai Yisroel for his final speech. He does this while standing on […]
The purpose of this D’var will be to discuss some of the more intriguing aspects of Matot and Masei. Both Parshas are not only interesting, but also extremely informative regarding the Torah way of handling some very sensitive issues. I will point out their significance to the present day. Additionally, I will try to dispel […]
Our G-d and G-d of our ancestors,
We pray to You on this Yizkor day
on behalf of our departed loved ones.
We ask that You forgive them
for any transgressions they committed.
That you accept our prayers and elevate
their souls to new heavenly heights.
For You are a loving and merciful G-d
Who listens to all of our prayers.
Blessed are You […]
Parshat Behar describes the laws of Shmita and Yovel. Shmita is involved with ecology. Every seven years the land is given a Sabbatical. G-d tells the Jewish people that just like he gave them Shabbat, so too should they give the land a Shabbat. Every seventh year the land is to be allowed to sit […]
Yom Tov Sheini (not to be confused with Pesach Sheini) observes the second day of Pesach, Succos and Shavuos as a Yom Tov. It is a long-standing tradition dating back at least 2000 years and perhaps as early as the time of Joshua. There was originally grave concern regarding the actual timing of holidays and […]
