Tidbits of Torah

Torah Tidbits

Posted on March 18, 2016

Making Memories  Shabbat Parashat VaYikra Shabbat Zachor  March 19, 2016 – 9 Adar II 5776    Dear Friends, How often are we told encouragingly, or approvingly, that we are “making memories”?  It is considered, for the most part, a good thing to be “making memories.”  For example, when we spend quality time with our children, Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on March 11, 2016

Breathing New Life into Our Future   Shabbat Parashat Pekudei March 12, 2016 – 2 Adar II 5776    Dear Friends, Our parsha reminds us that the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the desert led to a sense of God’s immanent presence among our people. Rabbi Elana Zaiman (“The Birthing of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)” Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on March 4, 2016

Let it Go…    Shabbat Parashat Vayakhel Shabbat Shekalim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  March 5, 2016 – 25 Adar I 5776    Dear Friends, In the midst of our Torah reading portions relating a myriad of details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle in the desert, we read, at the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on February 29, 2016

The Other Half    Shabbat Parashat Ki Tissa  February 27, 2016 – 18 Adar I 5776    Dear Friends, One of the most significant teachings of our Torah is found in way that the census, reported in our weekly Torah portion of Ki Tissa, is described.  In Hebrew, the words Ki Tissa may be translated Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on February 19, 2016

Is the Accent on the Right Syllable?    Shabbat Parashat Tetsavveh February 20, 2016 – 11 Adar I 5776    Dear Friends, The news of Justice Scalia’s passing made a deep impression on me.  Not because of the politics.  Not because of any personal connection I had with him.  But, because he was somehow “larger Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on February 12, 2016

The Joy of Giving   Shabbat Parashat Terumah February 13, 2016 – 4 Adar I 5776    Dear Friends, One of the greatest joys in life is the feeling that one gets when one is blessed with the ability to give with a full heart.  According to the story in our weekly Torah portion, that Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on February 5, 2016

Energizing our Lives!  Shabbat Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Mevarekhim HaChodesh  February 6, 2016 – 27 Shevat 5776    Dear Friends, Shabbat is the “day of rest”…but the rest of the week is for doing!  Shabbat is a time for re-energizing our lives by allowing us to experience the moment, to appreciate life, and to envision the Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on January 29, 2016

The Winning Combination!  Shabbat Parashat Yitro January 30, 2016 – 20 Shevat 5776    Dear Friends, No, I did not win the jackpot in a Powerball drawing even though I did give God the opportunity to let me win by buying a ticket.   I did not have the winning combination on that one…But, I do Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on January 22, 2016

To Journey or Not To Journey?  Shabbat Parashat B’Shallach Shabbat Shira  January 23, 2016 – 13Shevat 5776    Dear Friends, In Parashat B’Shallach we read more about the epic journey of our people from slavery to freedom, from Egypt toward the Land of Israel.  The Parting of the Red Sea and our people’s Song of Continue Reading »

Torah Tidbits

Posted on January 15, 2016

Holiness for All Ages and Stages     Shabbat Parashat Bo January 16, 2016 – 6 Shevat 5776    Dear Friends, I hope you will join us for services at Rodef Sholom Temple this Friday night and Shabbat morning as we celebrate the bar mitzvah of Josh Kostiner.  Mazal Tov to Josh and to his Continue Reading »