Moshe Kempinski

Counting the Omer: Ascending from Nationalism to Spirituality

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Rabbi Eliezer Melamud By counting the Omer, we gradually elevate ourselves in two ways. By counting the Omer, we draw a line that continuously ascends from Pesach to Shavuot. The holiday of Pesach represents Israel’s national side, for the Exodus from Egypt revealed Israel’s uniqueness, in that God chose us from among all the other … Read more

Trusting G-d

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Moshe Kempinski We are taught in the Torah portion that that there is a deep connection between the revelation at Mount Sinai and the land of Israel. And HaShem spoke to Moshe on Mount Sinai ( Behar Sinai) saying, Speak to the children of Israel and you shall say to them: When you come to … Read more

Agents of Holiness

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The Talmud in Nedarim 35b describes the kohanim as sheluchei didan, our agents. When they perform the Temple service, the kohanim act as our emissaries. Yet this idea ­ that the kohanim act as agents for the Jewish people — appears to violate the legal definition of a shaliach. An agent acts on behalf of … Read more

A Higher Calling

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Moshe Kempinski the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah portion)of this week reveals insights into what true leadership actually entails. The parsha begins with the words; “And HaShem said (VaYomer) to Moshe: Speak (Emor) to the Kohanim,the sons of Aaron, and say (VeAmarta) tothem: Let none [of you] defile himself for a dead Soul (Nefesh) among his … Read more

The Mountains of Israel

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Moshe Kempinski Every morning as I walk to my shul( synagogue) for morning prayers, I usually walk up the ramp on the side of the building . At the top of the ramp I usually stop for a couple of seconds. The awesome and expansive western view of the Jerusalem hills that unfolds before me … Read more