When is a Sinner Happy?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Psalms, God, Happiness and Joy, Hebrew Language, Repentance, Temple

By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz I often write about my personal experiences as a father. But I try to learn from everyone and remember the good lessons I learn from others. One such lesson I learned from a friend of mine who lives in Tel Aviv. From a very young age, her...

Which Biblical Figure is Similar to Joseph?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2022 | Covenant, Mikeitz, Hebrew Language, Redemption, Tests and Trials

It is time for a Bible quiz. QUESTION: Who began life as the son of slaves and rose to live in Pharoah’s house? ANSWER: Everyone knows that is Moses. QUESTION: Who tricked his twin and got his father’s blessing? ANSWER: Everyone knows that was Jacob. Who was known for...

What Samson and a Modern-Day Nazirite Have to do with Redemption

by Eliyahu Berkowitz | f 9, 2022 | Naso, Judges, Hebrew Language, Israel, Messiah, Redemption, Revelation and Prophecy

It is not common for someone to take a Nazirite vow in modern times. The most notable exception was Rabbi David Cohen who, like Samson, became a Nazirite for life. And both of these Nazirites have a role in redemption. Every week, the reading of the Torah portion in...

Why Does The First Word Of The Book Of Leviticus Have A Small Aleph?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 6, 2022 | Vayikra, God, Hebrew Language, Humility, Modesty

The Hebrew names of the books of the Torah are named for the first word that appears in each book. The Hebrew name of the the book of Leviticus, therefore, is Vayikra (וַיִּקְרָא), which means “And he called.” This calling refers to God calling out to Moses from...

What Did Moses Actually See When God Showed Him His Back?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 17, 2022 | Fear of God, Ki Tisa, God, Hebrew Language, Prayer, Resurrection

There is no doubt that Moses was close to God, even speaking with Him “face to face, as one man speaks to another” (Exodus 33:11). But Moses wanted even more and requested, “Oh, let me behold Your Presence!” (33:18). God assented to His faithful servant’s request but...

What is Tu B’Shevat?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 16, 2022 | Kedoshim, Tu B'shvat, Hebrew Language, Israel

Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for the Trees, is considered a minor festival in Judaism. There is no reference to the holiday of Tu B’Shevat in the Bible, but the Mishna (Rosh Hashana 1:1) notes that there are four distinctive New Years in the Jewish calendar:...