The biblical holiday Passover ceased to exist when the temple was destroyed in 70 CE. It disappeared entirely and Chag Hamatzot’s name was changed to Passover. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
The origins of modern Passover customs Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
This entirely poetic Haftorah by 2nd Isaiah was written during the Babylonian exile, in anticipation of the permitted return to Judea. The Persian conqueror Cyrus (c. 580-529 BCE) was soon to conquer Babylon and release the exiled Judeans in 538 BCE. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Haftorah Reading for March 20, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
This week we begin the third of the Five Books of Moses, the Book of Leviticus, known in Hebrew as VaYikra. The portion begins by G-d calling to Moses, inviting him to enter the newly-completed Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting. The purpose of this meeting was so that the Almighty could explain the array of sacrifices that the Jewish people were commanded to bring for numerous different reasons. For instance there was one type of sacrifice brought for sins, another for peace offerings (to offer thanks), daily communal sacrifices, special sacrifices for Shabbat and Holidays, and many other reasons as well. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: What’s in an Alef? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi
So many of the Holocaust survivors who I grew up with have passed away. They were all so important to me and they conveyed a special feeling that no others could. To the second and third generation I seek to offer this comfort: [Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg]
From One 2nd Generation Survivor to Others Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles
The Jewish People are players in a grand scheme I refer to as “War of Worldcraft.” We are in the midst of a 3500-year peer-to-peer networking phenomenon unrivaled in history. In every generation, we are engaged in a battle to the death against the monsters of ignorance, immorality and violence. With courage and unrivaled conviction, we cleave to our ancient texts and traditions, hoping to thrive while influencing those around us. The Torah reveals the contradictory nature of our future as an eternal people: we will remain few in number and yet have vast impact on all of humankind as we wander the globe. [Sam Glaser]
Pesach: War of Worldcraft Read More »
Jewish Religion, Sam GlaserAfter the Seder meal is eaten and the benchen, the Grace after Meals, is recited, a fourth cup of wine is filled, and the following actions are performed:
-According to the custom of many people, an additional fifth cup is poured for Elijah,
-A door is opened,
-Some people place a picture at the door entrance showing Elijah blowing a shofar announcing the arrival of the messiah,
-Some families have one of the participants rush out of the door and then reappear as Elijah,
-Some families also exclaim baruch haba, baruch haba, “welcome welcome,” when the door is opened,
-A paragraph that originated in the Middle Ages containing three parts, each of which say the same thing, is then recited,
(Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Superstitions Behind Opening the Door for Elijah Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
A year ago when we read this parasha that begins the book of Leviticus, we were in the beginning of anxious physical separation from each other. This year many of us are vaccinated and are beginning to be physically closer with others, B’H, with proper precautions of course. What sacrifices we’ve made over the past year! [Michael Mantell, Ph.D]
Coming Closer to Hashem Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael MantellThe Israelites’ first Passover, celebrated in Egypt just prior to the exodus and described in Exodus 12:1-11, was radically different from the Torah mandated holiday observed after the exodus. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
First Passover Looked Ahead to Liberation Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
The upcoming Passover creates challenges for those who are looking forward to celebrate the Seders in person with friends and family. The availability of vaccination against the virus made it easier to resume the tradition of an in-person Seder although the risk of acquiring the infection is still high in some situations. [Itzhak Brook, M.D.]
Safety of Celebrating Seder in 2021 Read More »
Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education
Two months into our “cruise” (sans spas and umbrella drinks), it’s January 1985, when we start planning for a battlegroup-wide Passover seder for thirty when we discovered the ship’s supply system was ill-equipped for the task. [Jeff Goldfinger]
The Case of the Missing Matzoh Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, USA
When Israelis were exiled, they were sent to Babylon, from which Abraham had previously come. There, in Babylon, they dispersed and assimilated until once again, a great hater of Jews arose and sought to destroy them: the arch-antisemite known as Wicked Haman. [Michael Laitman, PhD]
Jewish Unity and Antisemitism, Part V Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion
I attended the bar mitzvah of a young man who recoils from compliments or recognition. So I can’t say who he is, but I can tell you that his friends and relatives are shaking their heads in wonder. The young man turned 14 just two days ago, on March 11. But today it was if he were 13 again. Or so it seemed, because today he finally had his bar mitzvah, which normally occurs when a boy turns 13. [Donald H. Harrison]
A most unusual bar mitzvah Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, San Diego CountyA lot is happening this Shabbos! We have a double portion (described below), a special additional reading, called Parshat HaChodesh, in honor of the upcoming month of Nissan, which is the month that includes Passover. We conclude the Book of Exodus, which is when we proclaim, “Chazak! Chazak! Vi’nit’Chazaik!” (Stronger! Stronger! And we become stronger!) In other words, may we continue to grow in our Torah study! [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: A Very Busy Shabbat Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-RabbiThis short Haftorah simply lists the components and furnishings of the completed Solomon’s Temple. (Irv Jacobs, M.D.)
Haftorah Reading for March 13, 2021 Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion