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“To the Land I will Show You”

What G-d said or didn’t say to Abraham

The title of this post comes from the opening verse of Lech-Lecha, where G-d tells Abraham to make this journey… to the land I will show you. There are many commentaries on … Read the rest

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Tinkertoys & Lech Lecha

This Shabbat Lech-Lecha (5778/2017) we went with a Tinkertoy theme. The tables were arranged Tinker-toy-style with round tables (like the Tinkertoy wheels) connecting rectangular ones (like the Tinkertoy sticks), and on each of your tables there’s a small arrangement of … Read the rest

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Falafel Philosophy

Originally an Arab food, Felafel (in pita, with salad and toppings) has become synonymous with Israel, as a widely popular street food or fast-food. The Baal Shem Tov taught that there can and should be a spiritual life message in Read the rest

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Get into the Spirit of Simchat Torah!

Here are a  links to a few online articles and stories to get into the spirit, mentally and emotionally, for the joyous spirit of Simchas Torah, the climax of the entire High Holiday and Sukkot season. Hopefully you will find … Read the rest

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Etrog Skin

Not to get under your skin, but there are two great messages that we can learn from the skin of an Etrog (used on Sukkot as part of the Lulav & Esrog set): 

THICK SKIN

If you’ll slice up an … Read the rest

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The Tower Challenge

by Michael Kugler

There was once a king that called out to his subjects that he’s looking for ordinary subjects to join his inner circle. But they have to have extraordinary drive and passion. Most ordinary people thought this wouldn’t … Read the rest

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Shvil Yisrael – the Israel Trail

by Dudi B.A.

As tonight is Israeli night in the Sukkah, I’d like to share one of my most memorable Israel experiences as an Israeli, and that is the trail that runs the entire length of Israel, known as Shvil … Read the rest

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Meatballs & Spaghetti = Lulav in a Sukkah

What’s the comparison here? What does one have to do with the other?

The answer is based on some Chassidus about “Makkif vs. Pnimi”. Makkif surrounds us, it is above us and around us, but not necessarily something we internalize … Read the rest

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Shrek’s Onion + Dr. Who’s Tardis + VR Glasses = Sukkah?

Here are 3 items you’re probably familiar with, that can shed some light on the inner meaning and desired impact of a Sukkah, that outdoor hut or booth we cover with cut vegetation (like evergreen branches, bamboo mats etc) and … Read the rest

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Clark Kent & Superman Judaism, Our Yom Kippur Appeal

For this year’s (5778/2017) Yom Kippur “appeal” we’re going to focus on the last line of the Yom Kippur prayer, said aloud seven times before the very last Kaddish and the Shofar Blast. The Shema is the best-known line on … Read the rest

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