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In this week’s parsha, we read the moving story of Hagar and Yishmael’s journey in the wilderness—a story that teaches us a powerful lesson about how Hashem opens our eyes to see the blessings that are already right in front of us. When Hagar and Yishmael were sent away, they wandered through the desert with…
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This week’s Parsha tells an incredible story about the power of prayer and the difference each person can make. Hashem sends angels to inform Avraham that He plans to destroy Sodom and the entire surrounding area due to their wickedness. Avraham, known for his compassion and righteousness, pleads with Hashem to save the cities. He…
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The Blame Game: A Habit from Childhood When I was a kid, if I stubbed my toe or dropped something, the first thing I’d do was look around for the closest person to blame. It was almost automatic. Maybe you can relate—it’s the instinct to believe we’re perfect and any mishap couldn’t possibly be our…
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In Hashem’s promise to Avraham, he is told that his descendants will be like the stars in the sky and like the dust of the earth — and in Parshat Vayeira, like the sand on the seashore. Each of these metaphors holds deep meaning for us as individuals and as a community. A star shines…
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Money can be a big yetzer hara (temptation) — not just in the pursuit of earning it but even in the way we talk about it. It’s easy to comment on the success of others, attributing their wealth to family connections, a lucky break, or a well-timed investment. This kind of talk can shift our…
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Let me ask you something – how often do you check your phone to see if anyone liked your latest post, commented on your story, or even just viewed your content? If you’re anything like me, that “just checking” habit can get out of hand. It becomes a cycle. You share something, refresh the page…
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In Parshat Noach, we’re introduced to Noach, a tzaddik in his generation, who follows Hashem’s instructions to build the Teiva (ark) as a refuge from the impending flood. However, there’s a curious detail: Noach doesn’t actually enter the Teiva until the rain is so fierce that he has no choice but to go inside. Why…
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In Parshat Noach, we learn that Noach was 600 years old when he entered the Teva (ark) and lived for 350 years after the flood, reaching a final age of 950. Yet, if we calculate his life, there appears to be a “missing” year. Where did that year go? The flood, we know, lasted an…
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A Sukkot Wake-Up Call This past Sukkot, we had a lot to celebrate. One night, I was walking home from shul when I heard music and saw people dancing out of sheer joy in the street. So, of course, I joined in, soaking up the celebration. Later, my wife showed me a video of the…
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When Hashem created the world, He commanded plants and trees to sprout, but curiously, they held back just beneath the surface of the earth. Why? Because they were waiting for Adam to come into the picture, to sense the need for growth, and to daven (pray) for rain. Only then did the plants burst through…
