What is the hidden message that the clouds of Elul whisper to us at the end of the summer? Summer in the Galilee is almost over. I know, because it has been cloudy this past week and it rained last Shabbat! All summer long the skies have been clear, sunny Read more
KING DAVID’S LYRE AND THE HALF-SHEKEL COINS For a limited time, you can get your own coins when you order Galilee Green Olive Oil or Raw Natural Honey! (more info below) The lyre (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor) on the Israeli half-shekel coin (½ new shekel) is a modern depiction inspired by ancient Read more
Jacob, Esau and Italian Olive Oil Fraud Most people don’t realize that the twins, Esau and Jacob were born to become twin-leaders of the Nation of Israel. Esau was intended to be the “King” and take care of the physical needs of the Nation. Jacob was intended to be the Read more
The Freedom from physical slavery is the first exodus. Then comes freedom from psychological enslavement. Passover shows us how to break loose from our mental chains. During the 30 days leading up to Passover, it is customary to prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually for the holiday. Physically, by cleaning Read more
PURIM GROGGER FOR YOU Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday that celebrates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther. This year Purim falls on the evening of Monday March 2, 2026. One of the most fun traditions associated with Purim is Read more
Tu B’Shvat has great significance in the agricultural laws that are relevant in the Land of Israel. The 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat is called Tu B’Shvat. It is the cut-off date in the Hebrew calendar for calculating the age of a fruit-bearing tree. Each tree is Read more
Pharoah’s army is in a deadly pursuit of the Jewish people as they arrive at the sea.
Moshe tells the people, “Don’t be afraid… stand by and watch … God will do battle for you and you will be still.” (Exodus 14: 13-14)
God performs the miracle at the sea: the Egyptian army is drowned and the Jewish people are saved. The message for the world is to learn that there is no power in the world independent of God. There was no human intervention necessary to win the war.
Yet later, at the end of this week’s parsha, it is
Should you get a promotion this year? A larger budget and expense account? Bigger challenges? Win the lottery? We’ve been trumpeting the shofer every morning in synagogue to help us prepare for Rosh HaShanah (Jewish New Year which begins this year on Monday evening September 22, 2025). The day is Read more
Don’t supply your enemy with weapons A Palestinian terrorist holding an Israeli M16 rifle I study a page of Talmud each day through the Daf Yomi cycle—a global practice where Jews study one page (daf) of the Babylonian Talmud daily. Last week’s studies included Tractate Avodah Zarah (Laws relating to the Read more
Recently I was shopping in Jerusalem at a supermarket and the Land’s bounty on display was overwhelming. What a blessing (bracha)! Among the huge variety of fruit we found some wonderful “Apple Pears” pictured on the right. This locally grown Asian fruit is crisp, fresh and sweet with a bit Read more