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PARSHAS CHUKKAS
BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING
Parshas Chukkas opens with the enigmatic words, “This is the decree of the Torah... and take unto you a Parah Adumah - a Red Heifer...” (Numbers 19:1)
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PARSHAT KORACH
FORMULA FOR PEACE
Korach, a cousin of Moses from the distinguished Tribe of Levites, falls prey to the three sins which our sages teach are the source of all destructive character traits: jealousy, lust, and the thirst for honor. In his obsession, he foments rebellion and tries to unseat Moses and Aaron.
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PARSHAS SHELACH
BLESSING OF THE NEW MONTH OF TAMUZ
This Shabbos we will bless the New Month of Tamuz. Rosh Chodesh falls on Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 23rd. During this month, a mourning period known as “The Three Weeks” commences. This is the saddest time of our calendar year, for it was during these three weeks that the tragic events leading up to the destruction of our holy Temple unfolded. May G-d grant us the merit of seeing our Temple speedily rebuilt in our own day.
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PARSHAS BE`HAALOSCHA
A JEWISH LITMUS TEST
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PARSHAS NASO
A BLESSING FOR ALL ETERNITY
"May G-d bless thee and keep thee"
"May He cause His countenance to shine upon thee ad be gracious unto thee"
"May HaShem lift His Face unto thee and grant thee peace" (Deut. 6: 23-26)
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SHAVUOT
THE GIVING OF THE TORAH
What is Shavuot? Shavuot is called the Festival of Weeks. We count the Omer from Pesach until Shavuot just as a bride counts the days to her wedding. On Shavuot, Mt. Sinai was transformed into a chuppah and we the Jewish people, were wedded to the Torah for all eternity.
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PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
SHABBOS MEVORACHIM
This Shabbos we bless the new month of Sivan which ushers in the awesome festival of Shavuot when G-d revealed His Torah to us and sealed His Covenant.
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PARSHAS B`HAR-B`CHUKOSAI
SHABBOS CHAZAK
This week we complete the Book of Leviticus As the reader chants the concluding passages of Vayikra, the entire congregation rises and proclaims "Chazak, Chazak, V`nischazek"-- "Be strong, Be strong, and may we be strengthened." Thus we commit ourselves to the pursuit of Torah study, and with with G-d`s help begin the Book of BaMidbar -- Numbers, next week.
The parsha ends with a somber warning. G-d admonishes us to beware of the terrible fate that will befall us if we abandon His Covenant. There is one word that stands out blatantly in the parsha, and is repeated again and again, and that is "keri", an attitude that implies casualness - coincidence.
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PARSHAS EMOR
Highlight of the Week - PESACH SHENI -
Never too late for a second chance
The Torah relates that many people came to Moshe complaining that, since they were ritually impure, they were unable to bring the Pesach sacrifice.
G-d told Moshe that those who were unable to do so, could bring the offering one month later, on the 14th of Iyar, Friday, May 8th.
It is customary to eat matzoh on this day as a reminder of that special event. While we eat the matzoh, we should reflect on this wondrous holiday that G-d has granted us. It is never too late to embark on a new life and to correct missed opportunities of the past. Truly, a great gift!
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PARSHAS ACHREI MOS/KEDOSHIM
THE PATH TO SPIRITUALITY
Many people will tell you that while they may not be observant, they are spiritual. What exactly does that connote? Does it mean meditating? Vegetarianism? Jogging?
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PARSHAS TAZRIA-METZORA
ROSH CHODESH IYAR - This coming Shabbos, we celebrate the new month of Iyar. Iyar is the acronym for the words, "I am the L-rd your ealer." (Exodus, 15:26)
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PARSHAS SHEMINI
PIRKEI AVOS - ETHICS OF THE FATHERS
From the first Sabbath after Pesach and throughout the summer months, until the Sabbath before Shavuos, we study one of the six chapters of “Ethics of the Fathers”. Since there are six Sabbaths between Pesach and Shavuos, we complete the first cycle before the holiday of Shavuos, thereby affirming the principle “Derech eretz kadmoh l’Torah” - meaning, proper ethical behavior is a prerequisite to Torah study.
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PESACH THOUGHTS TO ACCOMPANY YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
If there is any one holiday that is of special significance to our existence and gives us viable solutions to every problem it is Passover. Just consider:
Passover comes to remind us that it is the family that is the center of Jewish life. The Seder is celebrated, not in the synagogue, but in the home. And it is not a teacher who must impart our heritage to the child, but the father who must answer his questions.
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PARSHAS TZAV
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
SHABBOS HAGADOL
The Shabbos before Pesach is called Shabbos Hagadol.
The Great Sabbath, for the following reasons: a) There is an ancient tradition that on this Sabbath, Rabbis deliver in-depth sermons dealing with the intricate laws of Pesach, b) In this Sabbath`s Haftorah, it states, "Behold, I will send Elijah the Prophet to you before that great (HaGadol) and awesome day, c) The Jews in Egypt set aside the pascal lamb on this Shabbos for the first pascal sacrifice. Since the lamb was the deity of the Egyptians, this took great courage, faith and commitment. The Almighty G-d protected the Jewish people and miraculously the Egyptians did not attack the Jews.
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PARSHAS VAYIKRA
WE ARE ALL CONNECTED
This week, we begin the third book of the Five Books of Moses, The Book of Leviticus. While the Book of Exodus focused on our redemption from Egypt, and concludes with the construction of the Tabernacle, the Book of Leviticus commences with the service that is to be performed there: the sacrificial offerings, and the Laws pertaining to the Kohanim.
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PARSHAS VAYAKHEL - PEKUDEI
This Shabbos has three special designations: Shabbos Chazak, Shabbos HaChodesh, and Shabbos Mevorchim
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PARSHAS KI TISSA
"TIME TO GET READY"
No sooner does the joyous festival of Purim pass, than preparations for Passover commence. In less than 30 days, we will be sitting around our seder tables.
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PARSHAS TETZAVEH
REMINDER:
PURIM – Everyone, young and old, male and female, MUST listen to the Megillah. Join us Monday evening March 9th at 7:30PM at the Prince George Ballroom, 15 East 27th Street, NYC (Between Madison & Fifth) for our beautiful Megillah reading with Dr. Michael Zelefsky, Rabbi Yisroel, and me. Reserve now for the Special Purim Celebration immediately following the service.
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PARSHAS TETZAVEH
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK: FAST OF ESTHER FOLLOWED BY PURIM
This Monday, March 9, is Ta’anis Esther - the Fast of Esther. To avert the “Final Solution” of Haman to “annihilate, to exterminate every Jew, young and old in one day,” Queen Esther called upon the nation to fast for three days and turn to G-d in Tshuva, Tefila, and Tzeduka - Repentance, Prayer and Charity. To commemorate that fast, we too abstain from eating and drinking. The fast begins at dawn (5:55AM) and ends at nightfall, though one should not eat until after the megillah reading.
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PARSHAS TERUMAH
INVITE G-D INTO YOUR LIFE
"They shall make Me a sanctuary so that I may dwell in their midst.." (Exodus 25:8) are the awesome words in this parsha.
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PARSHAS MISHPATIM
SHABBOS MEVORCHIM- BLESSING THE NEW MONTH
This Shabbos we bless the new month of Adar. Our sages teach that, with the advent of the month of Adar, our happiness and joy increases. This is a time of mazal and blessing, culminating with the most joyous of celebrations - the holiday of Purim.
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PARSHAS YITHRO
Do You Listen to What You Hear?
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PARSHAS BESHALLACH
TU B’SHEVAT
We celebrate Tu B’Shevat - the New Year of Trees on Monday, February 9th. It is at this season that most of the trees in Eretz Yisrael begin to bud. We rejoice in the rebuilding of the land of Israel by planting trees. It is customary for Jews who live in the diaspora to eat fruit grown in Israel as a means of identifying with the Holy Land. It is also a tradition to eat a fruit that has not been previously eaten during the year so that we may recite the blessing of “shehechayanu. May this Tu B’Shevat bring true blessing for all of us.
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PARSHAS BO
"RELATE THE STORY TO YOURSELF"
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PARSHAS VA`ERA
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM
This Shabbos we bless the upcoming month of Shevat which begins on Monday, January 26. The highlight of this month is the celebration of Tu B`Shevat, the New Year of Trees. It is on this day that most trees in the land of Israel begin to bud. The great kabbalistic sage, the Ari HaKadosh - the saintly Ari, decreed that on Tu B`Shevat we should eat fruit as a symbol of our identification with this Festival of Trees. On this day it is a special mitzvah to partake of fruit from Israel and of fruit that we have not as yet tasted during the course of the year, so that we may recite the blessing of Shehechayanu. This year, Tu B`Shevat falls on February 9.
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PARSHAS SHEMOS
In this week`s Parsha, we meet Moshe Rabbenu - Moses our Teacher, for the very first time.
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PARSHAS VAYECHI
PRE MESSIANIC TIMES – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
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PARSHAS VAYIGASH
FAST OF TEVES
On the tenth of Teves, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylonia, surrounded and laid siege to the holy city of Jerusalem. For a year and a half, he terrorized its citizens until the city fell and he took our ancestors into exile and destroyed our Holy Temple.
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PARSHAS MIKETZ
In this week`s parsha we read the dramatic story of Joseph who is now Viceroy of Egypt meeting his brethren after 22 years of separation.
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PARSHAS VAYESHEV
This Sunday evening, we usher in the joyous holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. It was at this time that our people, led by the Hasmoneans, defeated their Syrian-Greek oppressors.
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PARSHAS VAYISHLACH
To many people, the events that we read about in the Torah are just charming Bible stories, but that is the farthest thing from the truth.
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PARSHAS VAYETZE
THE LADDER OF THE JEW
In this week’s parsha we learn about the dream that Jacob had on the Temple Mount. In that dream, he saw a ladder implanted in the ground that reached toward Heaven. There are many lessons that we can derive from this.
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PARSHAS TOLDOS
THE POWER OF PRAYER AND FAITH
In this week’s parsha, we see the power of faith and prayer. G-d promised our Patriarchs and Matriarchs that their descendants would be “as numerous as the stars in the heavens”, and yet, in the opening passages, we discover that our mother Rivka was barren. By studying how they reacted to this painful ordeal in life, we can discover the awesome power of prayer and faith.
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PARSHAS CHAYA SORA
In this parsha we discover wisdom to facilitate our shidduch search -- what to look for and what to avoid are defined.
SHABBOS MEVARCHIM KISLEV
This month we bless the new month of Kislev in which we celebrate the joyous holiday of Chanukah. Rosh Chodesh Kislev falls this coming Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28.
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PARSHAS VAYERA
TORAH MANNERS
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PARSHAS LECH LECHA
THE MEANING OF A TEST
In this week’s parsha, the history of the Jewish people commences. Until now, in the portions of Genesis and Noah, we studied about the creation of the world and the development of mankind, but now we meet the first Jewish couple - our grandparents, Abraham and Sarah.
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PARSHAS NOACH
DO WE SEE OURSELVES AS G-D SEES US?
There is a famous midrash based on this week’s parsha that asks, “If there are so many ways through which G-d could have saved Noah, then why did He make him go through the difficult, arduous task of building an ark that took one hundred and twenty years to complete?
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PARSHAS BERESHIS
This week, we once again commence reading the Torah from the very first portion which is called "Bereshis" - "In the Beginning."
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SHABBOS CHOL HAMOED - CONCLUDING FESTIVALS
On Shabbos Chol HaMoed we read the Book of Ecclesiastes authored by King Solomon, who was the wisest, most powerful and wealthiest of men. In this great work, Solomon examines in detail every aspect of life, every philosophy, and concludes with the immortal words, “The sum of the matter when all has been considered, fear G-d and keep His commandments, for that is man’s purpose....” This timeless message of Solomon speaks to our hearts today more than ever before. Indeed in our chaotic world our faith in G-d is the only thing that we have that can sustain in us.
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PARSHAS HA`AZINU
FIRST SHABBOS AFTER YOM KIPPUR
Since this is the first Shabbos after Yom Kippur, it is important to preserve the awesome level of spirituality that we attained on this, the holiest of all days and utilize it to enhance our Shabbos. Each individual, on his or her own level must find a way to grow and develop his or her unique potential.
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PARSHAS VAYELECH
SHABBOS SHUVA
The designation, “Shabbos Shuva” - "Shabbat of Homecoming" is given because, on this day, we read the Haftorah from the prophet Hosea which says: “Return O Israel to the L-rd your G-d.” HaShem, who is our compassionate Father, is reaching out and waiting for each and every one of us to come home to Him.
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PARSHAS NITZAVIM
MAKE AN ACCOUNTING OF YOUR LIFE
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PARSHAS KI THAVO
"G-D’S GUIDING HAND IN OUR HISTORY"
In this week’s parsha, the tochachos - the curses, the terrible calamities that will befall us throughout our history are enumerated. There is no parallel to this in the theological or historical writings of any other people, and this, in and of itself, is proof of the Torah’s Divine authorship and the guiding hand of G-d in our history.
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PARSHAS KI TETZE
ARE YOU PREPARED?
This parsha contains the most mitzvos of all the parshiot, and they encompass many areas that prepare us for Rosh HaShana and enable us to perceive that there is more to life than mere existence.
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PARSHAS SHOFTIM
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
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PARSHAS RE`EH
SHABBOS MEVORCHIM
This Shabbos is called Shabbos Mevorchim as we bless the new month of Elul.
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PARSHAS EKEV
In this week`s parsha, Moshe Rabbenu continues his farewell address, in which he bequeaths to the Jewish people, a formula for survival
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PARSHAS V`ESCHANAN
SHABBOS NACHAMU - SABBATH OF CONSOLATION
The Shabbos following Tisha B’Av is called Shabbos Nachamu - the Sabbath of Consolation. It draws its name from the haftorah which commences with the immortal words, “Comfort ye, comfort ye, My people” (Isaiah). The word “comfort” is repeated twice, for it is not only we, the Jewish people, who are in need of comforting, but G-d Himself, who sees and feels our pain. This haftarah marks the first of the seven Sabbaths of consolation between Tisha B’Av and Rosh HaShana. Each of these haftorahs depicts the end of days, the coming of Moshiach, and the transformation from churban - destruction, to binyan - rebuilding of the Temple. May G-d grants that it happen speedily in our days.
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PARSHAS DEVARIM
SHABBOS CHAZON
The Shabbos preceding Tisha B’Av is called Shabbos Chazon. It draws it’s name from the first word of the haftorah which contains Isaiah’s rebuke of the Jewish people: “I raised and nurtured children, but they betrayed me. An ox knows its keeper, a donkey the hand that feeds it, but Israel does not know - My people do not perceive.” But the prophet also shows us the way to return to G-d and to start a new life: “Cleanse yourselves, purify yourselves...desist from doing evil...learn to do good, seek justice....”
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PARSHAS MASEY
SHABBOS ROSH CHODESH
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PARSHAS MATTOS
SHABBOS MEVORCHIM
This Shabbos we bless the new month of Av - the month which is emblematic of the pain and sorrow of our people. The new month of Av falls on Shabbos, August 2nd, and with that, we begin the count-down to the fast of Tisha-B’Av which commences Saturday evening, August 9th at 8:00PM and ends Sunday evening, August 10th at 8:30PM. Tisha B’Av is a day of profound mourning, the day on which both Temples were destroyed and terrible calamities befell us throughout the centuries. May this Tisha B`Av signal our redemption and may our sorrows be converted to joy.
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PARSHAS PINCHAS
SHEVA ASAR B’TAMMUZ
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PARSHAS BOLOK
WAKE UP CALL
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PARSHAS CHUKKAS
BEYOND HUMAN UNDERSTANDING
Parshas Chukkas opens with the enigmatic words, “This is the decree of the Torah... and take unto you a Parah Adumah - a Red Heifer...” (Numbers 19:1)
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PARSHAT KORACH
SHABBOS MEVORACHIM
This Shabbat we bless the new month of Tamuz. Rosh Chodesh will be celebrated on Thursday July 3rd. the month of Tamuz ushers in a difficult period for our people, a time who we have to confront the painful consequence of abandoning our Torah way of life and allowing strife and jealousy to consume us.
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PARSHAT SHELACH LECHA
WE HEAR WHAT WE WANT TO HEAR SEE WHAT WE WANT TO SEE
Very often, we experience what we believe to be the punitive hand of G-d, but the Almighty is our Heavenly Father who created us and loves us with infinite love, and whose mercies and compassion always encompass us, so His punishment is not affliction, but correction.
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PARSHAS BE`HAALOSCHA
The Menorah and Its Many Dimensions
This week`s portion commences with the mitzvah of kindling the menorah, a commandment which was given to Aaron and his descendants. There are many dimensions to this mitzvah.
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PARSHAS NASO
A BLESSING FOR ALL ETERNITY
"May G-d bless thee and keep thee"
"May He cause His countenance to shine upon thee ad be gracious unto thee"
"May HaShem lift His Face unto thee and grant thee peace" (Deut. 6: 23-26)
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PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
SHABBOS MEVORACHIM
This Shabbos we bless the new month of Sivan which ushers in the awesome festival of Shavuot when G-d revealed His Torah to us and sealed His Covenant.
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PARSHAS B`CHUKOSAI
SHABBOS CHAZAK
This week we complete the Book of Leviticus As the reader chants the concluding passages of Vayikra, the entire congregation rises and proclaims "Chazak, Chazak, V`nischazek"-- "Be strong, Be strong, and may we be strengthened." Thus we commit ourselves to the pursuit of Torah study, and with with G-d`s help begin the Book of BaMidbar -- Numbers, next week.
The parsha ends with a somber warning. G-d admonishes us to beware of the terrible fate that will befall us if we abandon His Covenant. There is one word that stands out blatantly in the parsha, and is repeated again and again, and that is "keri", an attitude that implies casualness - coincidence.
Read more >>
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PARSHAS BEHAR
Our parsha opens with the laws of shmita - the sabbatical year when the land had to rest untended and unguarded. The passage that proclaims these commandments also states that these laws were enunciated at Mt. Sinai. Is it not understood that all our laws were proclaimed at Sinai? Why then, the special emphasis on Sinai now?
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PARSHAS EMOR
SPIRITUAL ELEVATION THROUGH MITZVOT
In the opening verse of our parsha, G-d instructs Moshe, “Say to the Kohanim...” (Leviticus, 21:1), and puzzlingly, in that very same verse, G-d once again repeats the command, “Say to them...”
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PARSHAS KEDOSHIM
This week`s Torah portion opens with a call to all the Jewish people to sanctify themselves and be holy.
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PESACH THOUGHTS TO ACCOMPANY YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
If there is any one holiday that is of special significance to our existence and gives us viable solutions to every problem it is Passover. Just consider:
Passover comes to remind us that it is the family that is the center of Jewish life. The Seder is celebrated, not in the synagogue, but in the home. And it is not a teacher who must impart our heritage to the child, but the father who must answer his questions.
Read more >>
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COUNTDOWN TO PESACH
TIDBITS FOR YOUR SEDER TABLE
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PARSHAS METZORA
THE HEALING EFFECTS OF THE TORAH
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PARSHAS TAZRIA
SHABBOS HACHODESH
This Shabbos, we bless the new month of Nissan, which ushers in the great Yom Tov of Pesach. From this moment on, our preparations take on great intensity as we ready ourselves for our anniversary as a nation, and celebrate our exodus from bondage to freedom. Rosh Chodesh, the New Month, falls on Sunday, April 6th, and the first night of Pesach is on Motzei Shabbos (Saturday night), April 19, making this year’s Seder preparations more intricate. For a detailed study and a model Seder, join Rabbi Yisrael on Thursday evening April 10 at 7:15PM
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PARSHAS SHEMINI
CONNECTING WITH G-D
Very often, we hear people express a secret wish: If only I could download a miracle; if only G-d could help me; if only I could connect with Him. Well, the truth is that we can connect with the Almighty. As a matter of fact, He is waiting for us to call. As for His miracles - they are all about us if only we had the vision to see them.
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PARSHAS TZAV
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