Tag: Jewish Identity
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Living the Purpose of Our Redemption In Parshat Emor, we read a powerful command: “You shall not desecrate My holy name, and I shall be sanctified among the Children of Israel.” (Vayikra 22:32)Immediately after, the Torah reminds us: “I am Hashem who took you out of Egypt to be your God.” Rashi explains: The purpose…
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The very first word in Sefer Vayikra is Vayikra — “And He called.” Rashi points out something beautiful:This wasn’t just a call. It was a call of love. Hashem didn’t just speak to Moshe Rabbeinu —He called him, warmly and affectionately, by name. The Power of a Name And this isn’t a one-time thing.Throughout the…
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I always went to the Pesach seder at my Bobie and Zaidy’s house.Same table.Same songs.Same Divrei Torah.Same jokes. (bih bih bih…) After my Zaidy was niftar, we continued at my parents’ home. Even when I got married and had kids, we went back. Pesach was never up for discussion. It meant something — that night…
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In Parshat Yitro, we encounter one of the most fundamental mitzvot in the Aseret HaDibrot: “Zachor et Yom HaShabbat l’kad’sho” – “Remember the Shabbat day to sanctify it.” The Torah commands us to work for six days and then rest on the seventh, “For in six days Hashem made the heavens and the earth, and…
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In this week’s parsha, Vayishlach, we read one of the most powerful moments in Yaakov’s journey. After an all-night wrestling match with Eisav’s malach, Yaakov prevails. The malach blesses him, saying: “Your name shall no longer be Yaakov, but Yisrael, for you have struggled with angels and men and have prevailed.” Later in the parsha,…
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This week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, highlights the power of tefillah—prayer—and how its effectiveness is proportionate to the depth of emotion we bring to it. Hashem doesn’t want only our words or intellect; He desires our hearts, souls, and entire being in our connection with Him. This idea comes to life in the contrasting stories of Leah…
