The ninth plague in Egypt was a terrifying thick darkness described as palpable (Exodus 10:21-22). How thick was this darkness? The Midrash asserts that it was as thick as a dinar (coin). We’re told that during the three days of darkness, no man could see his brother and no one… Read More »EXODUS 10:21 – HOW THICK WAS THE DARKNESS?
Torah Reflections: Conversations on the Weekly Parshah בס”ד Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to… Read More »PARSHAT BO 5784 – SOULFUL ILLUMINATION: NAVIGATING DARKNESS AND EMBRACHING LIGHT
“Then G-d said to Moses: GO to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart…” (Exodus 10:1). This is almost universally the way this verse is translated. However, the actual Hebrew is “Bo el Par’oh” which literally means ‘COME to Pharaoh and not ‘go’ to Pharaoh. The translators probably felt that… Read More »EXODUS 10:1 – COME WITH ME
Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16 ) One of the most distinctive aspects of the Ten Plagues was the persistent refusal of Pharaoh to recognize the error of his ways and accept that the G-d of the Jews was indeed all-powerful. Miracle after miracle failed to persuade him of the veracity of Moses’ claims of… Read More »PARSHAT BO – THINKING
בס”ד It was stated: Rabbi Yosi ben Rabbi Chanina said, “the prayers were instituted by the Patriarchs”. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said, “the prayers were instituted by the rabbis to correspond to the daily tamid offerings”. Rabbi Yosi the son of Rabbi Chanina says to you, “ultimately, I will… Read More »PRAYER AS AN OFFERING TO G-D
“…I will bring you out from under the burdens (sivlote) of Egypt…” (Exodus 6:6). The Gerrer Rebbe points out that the word “sivlote” doesn’t only mean burdens – it can also imply tolerance. The Hebrew word “savlanute” means patience. He takes the verse to mean that Hashem will deliver us… Read More »EXODUS 6:6 DO NOT BE TOLERANT
בס”ד In this blog, we aim to critically examine whether the prophecies of the New Testament have references in light of Hebrew Bible texts. When engaging in conversations with Christians, one often hears claims that there are prophecies in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) that Jesus fulfilled. However, upon closer examination,… Read More »EXAMINATION: NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY IN HEBREW BIBLE LIGHT
בס”ד Sam and Emma were the best of friends. They had known each other since kindergarten and lived just a few houses apart. In kindergarten, they always played together in the sandbox and with blocks, and from that moment on, they were inseparable, always seeking exciting stories to share. One… Read More »JOURNEYS OF WONDER: SAM AND EMMA’S QUEST FOR MIRACLES
Torah Reflections: Conversations on the Weekly Parshah בס”ד Integrating Torah into one’s life through reflection and conversation can be an incredibly fun and engaging experience. It’s a journey of discovery, where ancient wisdom and timeless teachings come to life in our daily experiences. Through reflection, we have the opportunity to… Read More »PARSHAT VA’ERA 5784 – COMPASSION AND JUSTICE
Va’eira (Exodus 6:2-9:35 ) Moshe Rabbeinu and Pharaoh This week’s Torah portion describes in great detail the first seven of the ten plagues that brought Egypt to its knees. A major feature of the plagues is the behavior of Pharaoh in reaction to the destruction of his nation. When Moses and Aaron… Read More »PARSHAT VA’ERIA- MOSHE RABBEINU AND PHARAOH
