By David Hayisre’eli David Hayisre’eli tells the story of his son, who was wounded in Gaza a year ago and ‘strengthens all of us with his spiritual prowess.’ Almost a year has passed since my son, Yehuda Yitzchak Hayisre’eli, was wounded in Operation Protective Edge. Yehuda Yitzchak cannot speak yet, so I thought that I … Read more
Moshe Kempinski In this week’s portion, we read of the great fear and disdain Balak the king of Moab has for the young nation of Israelites; “Moab became terrified of the people, for they were numerous, and Moab became disgusted because of the children of Israel.Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this assembly … Read more
Moshe Kempinski Anger is a cruel and merciless dictator. It conquers the soul and warps it out of shape. We have witnessed how anger unleashes hatred and violence in places like Charleston and in Ferguson. We have seen the insanity of anger and fanaticism burn across the Middle East. We have seen the painful results … Read more
Moshe Kempinski Moshe and the Jewish people are beset with two dramatic challenges to their future and their wellbeing. Both those challenges follow one another rather quickly in the biblical text. Yet between them we read of the commandment to attach “Tzitzit” or fringes to the corners of our garments .” Speak to the children … Read more
Moshe Kempinski When Moshe sends twelve men to spy out the land of Israel they come back with a confusing report. On the one hand they begin with the following hopeful and positive words; “…We came to the land to which you sent us, and it is flowing with milk and honey, and this is … Read more
= Moshe kempinski The Bible relates events and commandments that were revealed during an era of shepherds, kings and scribes. The exodus from Egypt, the momentous revelation at Mount Sinai, the manna from heaven and the trials of a ragtag group of ex slaves becoming a people. Is any of that relevant to a society … Read more
Moshe kempinski We are approaching the festival of Shavuot. In Jewish understanding each festival is not just a memory of what was but rather a re-experiencing the spiritual power of that day. We read the following ” Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: The appointed seasons ( Moadei ) of Hashem, … Read more
Moshe Kempinski We are approaching the festival of Shavuot. In Jewish understanding each festival is not just a memory of what was but rather a re-experiencing the spiritual power of that day. We read the following ” Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: The appointed seasons ( Moadei ) of Hashem, … Read more
