Parshat Matot-Masei – פרשת מטות-מסעי August 6, 2016 – ב אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by David Tantleff in memory of his father, Milton Tantleff משה מרדכי בן אהרן; and by Jay Berkowitz in memory of his mother, Miriam Berkowitz מרים בת מאיר. Seeking Asylum Numbers 35 sets forth the law of asylum for an...
Read moreRestoring the Glorious Past Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom The penultimate verse of Megillat Eichah is one of the best known Scriptural citations in Hebrew liturgy because it is recited at the conclusion of the Torah service as the curtains of the ark are closed. “Take us back, O Lord, to Yourself, and
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Parshat Va’etchanan – פרשת ואתחנן August 20, 2016 – ט”ז אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Gary & Janet Waller in honor of Sam & Bruria’s upcoming wedding. The Jews through Gentile Eyes Moses assured the Israelites that their fealty to God’s commandments would raise the esteem in which other...
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Parshat Ekev – פרשת עקב August 27, 2016 – כ”ג אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Suzy Levin in memory of her mother, שירה בת אריה לייב ורחל ז”ל. Reconsidering the Ark In Moses’ valedictory address, he reminisced about the origins of the ark. Before ascending Mount Horeb for the final time, Moses...
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Parshat Re’eh – פרשת ראה September 3, 2016 – ל אב תשע”ו This essay is sponsored by Tatyana & Eugeny Rubashevsky in memory of Leib Rubashevsky ז”ל. Gentile Idolatry Upon crossing the Jordan River and dispossessing the inhabitants of the Promised Land, the Israelites were bidden to destroy all vestiges of Canaanite...
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Parshat Ki Tavo – פרשת כי תבוא September 24, 2016 – כ”א אלול תשע”ו Torah for the World Moses instructed the Israelites that immediately upon their crossing the Jordan River into the Land of Canaan they should build a stone altar and erect steles at Mount Ebal. The stones were to be coated with plaster
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The Missing Rosh Chodesh Scripture mandates that the first day of every Hebrew month, Rosh Chodesh, be observed with an additional set of sacrifices. This Korban Musaf includes two bulls, one ram, seven lambs (all burnt-offerings), and one goat as a sin-offering (Numbers 28:11-15). The first day of the seventh month, known in...
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Parshat Bereshit – פרשת בראשית October 29, 2016 – כ”ז תשרי תשע”ז This essay is sponsored by Joshua & Deena Davis in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Hadas Sara; and by Joanne Wiesner-Steiner in memory of her father, Abraham Wiesner אברהם בן נתן ז”ל. Lamech and his Wives Guilty of fratricide, Cain
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Parshat Lech Lecha – פרשת לך לך November 12, 2016 – י”א חשון תשע”ז This essay is dedicated in memory of our dear friend and congregant Dr. Paul Packer. Obeying Divine instructions, Abraham traveled to Canaan and arrived at Elon Moreh. God promised Abraham: “I will assign this land to your heirs...
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THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayetze – פרשת ויצא December 10, 2016 – י כסלו תשע”ז This essay is sponsored by Josh Adler in loving memory of his father, Jack Adler חיים יעקב בן משה ומרים אטל. Too Much Charity? The Babylonian Talmud records...
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