Reflections on sefer Bereishit
Posted in 2011 - 2012, Parashat Hashavua, Uncategorized on 09. Jan, 2012
בס”ד
by: Sam Spencer, Woodbridge, CT … Read more
The complex life of our forefather Abraham serves as an inspiration to all who delve into the words of the Torah. Far from perfect, Abraham emerges as a man of many layers. He was a man of peace and diplomacy, yet adamantly defended his own honor and property. He was the father of two sons and the
“Returning to Ourselves”- Yom Kippur 5772
Posted in 2011 - 2012, Chagim on 06. Oct, 2011
בס”ד
by: Rabbi Aharon E. Wexler … Read more
“Man’s origin is from dust, and his end is dust; at the risk of his life he earns his bread; he is likened to a broken shard, a withering blade of grass, a fading flower, as passing shadow, a dissipating cloud, a blowing wind, flying dust, -a fleeting dream”
– From the U’Netaneh Tokef Prayer attributed to Rabbi Amnon
Parashat Mishpatim: The Human Touch
Posted in Parashat Hashavua on 28. Jan, 2011
By RYO … Read more
Moshe stands before Hashem in the mist (Shemot 20:18) listening to Divine words. Towards the end of this episode, God appoints an angel to watch over Bnei Yisrael (23:20-22). Why does God suddenly hand the task over to an angel? What precisely is the angel’s role in this process? Why is it important, and, in turn, how does this affect Moshe?
God clears
Parashat Yitro: A Novel System for a New Nation
Posted in Parashat Hashavua on 21. Jan, 2011
By RYO
In Parashat Yitro, Moshe’s father in-law, Yitro, advises him to construct a judicial system in place of the current setup. However, is it really possible that Moshe was not capable of coming up with a better system to ease his job as a judge? Did he need Yitro to teach him how to make changes?
Maybe Moshe alters his frame of mind. … Read more
Parashat Bo: Talking to Prevent Recurring Error
Posted in Beit Midrash, Parashat Hashavua on 07. Jan, 2011
בס”ד
By RYO
… Read more
We have now returned after a nice vacation period where students were able to visit family, reunite with freinds, and take a little time off to see the country and clear their minds. This week we resumed learning and volunteer work and enjoyed a nice trip down south. We are getting back into daily routine.
In this week’s parasha, Hashem says to
My Year on Shalem
Posted in Chagim, Volunteering on 06. Jan, 2011
Written by Dee Mack, Jerusalem office manager and participant on Shalem’s inaugural program ten years ago … Read more
In addition to Rosh Hashana, I love celebrating the secular new year. It gives me the chance to reflect back on time passed and look forward to things to come. This month, Shvat, I find myself looking back ten years to when I was a chanicha on Shalem, planting
Parashat Shemot: A New King Results in a Unified Nation
Posted in Parashat Hashavua on 24. Dec, 2010
בס”ד … Read more
By Rabbi Yossela Ote
In this parsha, we read about a “melech chadash.”
Who is this new king and what is his role in the bigger picture concerning Am Yisrael?
One possible answer is as follows:
A new king re-conquers Egypt from the previous conqueror (historically known as the Hyksos, a Semitic people). He notices a big nation “Am Bnei Yisrael” who is or
Parashat Vay’chi – A Silence Towards Separation
Posted in Parashat Hashavua on 17. Dec, 2010
By RYO
Yosef is thrown into a pit, left for dead, and found by Yishmaelim, who sell him to Mitzrim. He then goes to Potifar’s house, but eventually is attacked by his wife, and then gets thrown in jail and later made second in command to the King of Egypt. All those years, Yosef was silent. We do not hear of any communication between him … Read more