The world through the lens of Torah
What is the hidden message that the clouds of Elul whisper to us at the end of the summer? Summer in the Galilee is almost over. I know, because on my way to synagogue this morning the sky was overcast. All summer long the skies have been clear, sunny and hot. And for the last […]
I took some of our visiting children and grandchildren down to the Jordan River a while ago to cool off from the summer heat. It’s only 8 minutes away and literally right next to where we make our Galilee Green Olive Oil. In the late summer afternoon, nothing feels more idyllic than paddling in the […]
On the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av (Tisha B’av) both the first and second Temples were destroyed in Jerusalem. The Prophet Isaiah begins his book with a vision of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and what we need to do to repair the damage. But was the destruction of the […]
Join Rabbi Shmuel Veffer for a 30 minute discussion on how the Pesach diet affects our body and soul. Avoiding leavened bread and eating matzah (unleavened bread) is more than a symbolic representation of leaving Egypt and breaking the bonds of slavery. Every commandment affects us spiritually and physically… turning us into more spiritual […]
Snow is a rarity in Israel, and if it comes, it’s usually only the children in Jerusalem and Judean Hills and Tsfat (Safed) who get ready to make snowmen. But when it comes, it’s not just time to frolic, it’s also time to reflect on what this rare event in Israel really means. The Land […]
A few years ago I was teaching a class on the weekly Torah Portion about Noah. A student interrupted the lecture and said, “I’m an anthropology major and I’ve studied ancient societies and cultures from all over the world. Virtually all of them have folktales of a deluge or flood story. This myth about Noah […]
The Torah states that the “First of the Months” (New Year) is at the time of the Exodus in the springtime. However, the Jewish People celebrate the first of the month of Tishrei (seven months later) as Rosh HaShanah – The New Year!! How do we resolve this seeming contradition… especially when the Torah calls […]
In Biblical Times miracles happened constantly it seems. Why don’t they happen like that anymore? We take a deep dive in defining what miracles are according to the Hebrew language, and discuss when we need them, and when we don’t. Notes and sources below the video!!! Source Sheets LINK TO PRINT THE SOURCE SHEET IN […]
The First and Second Temples and the system of “sacrifices” played a key role in achieving “atonement” for “sins.” How does the Torah allow for repentance, forgiveness and atonement for sins when the Temple is destroyed and not yet rebuilt? The English terms for “sin” and “atonement” are not exactly what the Hebrew terms mean. […]
Very often people challenge me and say, “Judaism and “the Old Testament” is all about laws and obedience.” I answer, “Did you know that the Hebrew words for ‘obey’ and ‘obedience’ do not appear at all in the Torah? (5 books of Moses). Join us for a deep dive into what the Hebrew of the […]
