26 Sivan 5778 – Shelach
What does an abundance of rain symbolise? With all the wet weather over the past week, I bring you a few statements from our ancient Jewish sources to ponder: The Talmud states: “The day when rain falls is as great as the day on which heaven and earth were
12 Sivan 5778 – Nasso
We had an interesting discussion at one of my classes this week surrounding Prayer. Prayer is referred to in the Talmud as "Avodah Shebelev" - "service of the heart". Prayer is supposed to be an emotional experience, coming from the depths of one's heart and being. When we pray, we are talking to ourselves and to G-d as well. It is supposed to be a moving and electrifying experience. Yet how many of us can say that we come out of a prayer session truly moved, motivated and empowered?
5 Sivan 5778 – Bamidbar
To get you ready for Shavuot, here is a summary of what I spoke about last year. I have found a number of fascinating connections between the Festival of Shavuot and running a half marathon. After all, it is a long race and one has plenty of time to think! So here are a few.
27 Iyar 5778 – Behar-Bechukotai
There are some places that become etched into our memories. I am sure we can all remember the place where we were proposed to or exactly where we heard the news that we were expecting our first child. It is therefore startling that we have somehow forgotten the location where the most significant Jewish event took place - the giving of the Torah? Why didn't the Jewish sages preserve the whereabouts of Mount Sinai?
20 Iyar 5778 – Emor
While death normally evokes emotions of grief and sadness, would anyone suggest that it would elicit joy and celebration? According to one Rabbi - yes! As we celebrate Lag BaOmer lets consider why we rejoice and reflect at the same time based on learnings from this significant day.
6 Iyar 5778 -Tazria-Metzorah
The sombre commemoration of Yom Hazikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) always immediately precedes the jubilant celebration of Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day). Why are these two days straight after each other? How are we expected or able to suddenly shift our feelings from that of sadness and reflection to those of joy and ecstasy?
29 Nissan 5778 – Shemini
This past week we commemorated Yom Hashoa – Holocaust Remembrance Day. I attended two communal memorial events in which my wife, Chana Raizel featured as guest speaker. I was really proud of the way she gave over the story of her dear grandmother and gave honour and dignity to her,
8 Nisan 5778 – Tzav
Here is a short story that I recently came across to give us some inspiration in the midst of all our backbreaking Pesach preparations! It was the afternoon before Passover, and Rabbi Levi Yitzchak was wandering through the streets of the Jewish quarter seeking out local smugglers. From one he quietly asked for a
1 Nisan 5778 – Vayikra
Selling your Chametz: A Jewish 'loophole' or an important transaction?? Over the past few weeks, we have been distributing and advertising our 'Sale of Chametz' form. In place of my message this week, I provide some information as to why this is important and how it works. Jewish law allows