A Word of Torah: What’s in an Alef?

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

Pesach: War of Worldcraft

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 Glaser

A Pilot’s Love Affair With a Beautiful Israeli

I ordered this book from Bibliophile because the blurb proclaimed that its main character was a pilot who fell in love with an Israeli woman and fought for his adopted country. That, in essence, is the nub of the story, but around it surges and swells a series of events and adventures involving love and enmity, joy and sorrow, and a veritable roller-coaster of emotions for the reader, who cannot help but be drawn into this gripping tale of romance, adventure and action. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]

A Pilot’s Love Affair With a Beautiful Israeli Read More »

Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East

Refugees will become hard-working Americans

With the wave of immigrants arriving at the border clamoring to be let in, I have been thinking a lot about immigration.  When Trump was in power, the border was basically closed, refugees and asylees had to wait in Mexico until their case was heard and that was a very long, inhumane process. In addition, many mothers were separated from their children. It seems like now the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another.  Do I agree with all the adults and unaccompanied minor rushing the border? It is creating unmanageable chaos and confusion.  However, I do understand why this is happening.  America is viewed as a safe haven for so many whose own countries or lives are in conflict, and they are desperate. [Mimi Pollack]

Refugees will become hard-working Americans Read More »

International, Mimi Pollack, USA

Superstitions Behind Opening the Door for Elijah

After 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

Coming Closer to Hashem

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 Mantell

Israel’s Leading Parties’ Economic Plans

In Israel, much of the evening news swirls around the gossip about who will sit with who in a new government coalition after the upcoming election on March 23. What has been singularly missing from the chatterbox TV news programs has been the vitally important plans of each party over the future of the Israeli economy. This brief summary will give you an idea of how each party intends to tackle the economy if it should gain power. [Barry Shaw]

Israel’s Leading Parties’ Economic Plans Read More »

Barry Shaw, Business & Finance, Middle East