G-d created the world through speech, and the words with which He created us are very much like flames. “Behold, my words are like flames” (Jeremiah 23:29). Flames don’t burn unless they have fuel to consume. The same is true of G-d’s words. “For G-d your G-d is a consuming …
Read the full story »Noach: Eternal Rays of Light
The Sunset
Several years ago, I sat with my family at the shores of Lake Huron enjoying a picturesque sunset. The sun descended over the water in a spectacular ball of fire and painted the cloudless sky in deep hues of purple and red. Enchanted by the majesty of the moment, …
Purim: The Meaning of Masquerade
The Purim Ritual
Each Jewish holiday has a unique method of celebration. Chanukah is celebrated with the kindling of eight lights. Passover is celebrated with a special diet that requires Jews to eat unleavened bread and prohibits the use of leavened bread. Shavuot is observed through the study of Torah. Each …
Omer: Daily Steps of Improvement
From Egypt to Sinai
We currently
find ourselves in an intermediary period between the two Jewish
holidays of Passover and Shavuos. On Passover we celebrated the exodus
of our ancestors from Egypt and the birth of our Jewish nation. On
Shavuos we will celebrate the receiving of the Ten commandments at Mt
Sinai.
For two hundred
and ten …
Dynamic Seasons of Change
Seasonal Change
The winter has
come to an end and the long awaited summer has finally arrived. The
weather changes, the sun emerges and we take it for granted that the
worst is over. We plan our vacations, take out our summer clothes and
begin preparations for a calm and relaxing season.
In the back …
Passover & Purim: Is there a Connection?
Diametric Opposites
We have recently celebrated the holiday of Purim and are currently preparing for the holiday of Pesach – Passover. These two holidays are not only different from each other they are almost antithetical to one another.
Tweet
Sukkot/Simchat Torah: Pyramids of Unity
The Holiday Mitzvot
There are two Mitzvt that are specifically intended for the holiday of Sukkot, eating in the Sukkah (outdoor hut covered with S’chach, tree branches) and the blessing over the four species. The mitzvah designated for the holiday of Simchat Torah is the dancing and rejoicing of young and …
Chanukah: Why Is Our Light Different From All Other Lights?
Simple Lights
Have you ever noticed that seasonal lights are more glamorous then the Chanukah lights? Have you ever noticed that seasonal lights come adorned with trees, gifts and a kaleidoscope of color while our lights are simple and undecorated? Have you ever noticed that ironically (or maybe by Divine Providence) …
Shofar: A Wake Up call
The Fire Marshal
The Hebrew month of Elul is upon us. During the course of this month we sound the Shofar every day in preparation for the Rosh Hashanah holiday that is soon approaching. The story is told of a young man who was instructed by the village elders to travel …
Parsha Insights »
D’varim : Absolute Faith
The Untenable Dilemma
On a trip to Israel in November of 2001, I asked a number of Israelis to share their thoughts on how the Intafada might be quelled. Their response was, “There is no resolution. The State of Israel will continue to exist and so will the Intafada. Somehow we …
Yearly Cycle »
Chanukah: Menorah on Masada
Mass Suicide
When you climb to the top and hike to the back you will discover a giant Chanukah Menorah on Masada and you have to wonder why. What is the connection between the story of Chanukah and the fortress of Massada? To answer this question we must go back to …
Concepts »
Tetzaveh: Desperate for Mashiach
Are you desperate for Mashiach? If so, why? You live in the most stable and prosperous generation that Jews have experienced since the beginning of our exile. Why do you need Mashiach? You are not oppressed, suffering, impoverished, or persecuted. You are living well, you have the admiration of your …
Rabbi’s Desk »
What Can We Do?
These past two days have been the most difficult for our people in the last fifty years. It was Simchat Torah, a time for rejoicing, yet it was a time of horror. Nearly a thousand members of our family were brutally murdered, more than a hundred were taken hostage, and …
