Moshe Kempinski Introspection on the High Holydays reveals the fissures and the cracks; joy on Sukkot enables the healing and the growth. We have entered into and experienced the month of Tishrei as a period of great soul searching and introspection. We have hopefully sensed how the purifying fire of the Day of Atonement has … Read more
Moshe Kempinski We will sit in the Sukkot following the reading of Haazinu on Shabbat. These Sukkot will be made of the produce of the earth while the covering of the sukkah will be open to the Heavens. That is not happenstance We read in the beginning of Parshat Haazinu the following words ; “Listen, … Read more
Moshe Kempinski In the Torah portion of “Acharei Mot” (Leviticus 16:1-18-30) we read the following regarding Yom Kippur: For on this day it shall atone (Yechaper) for you to cleanse (LeTaher) you. Before HaShem, you shall be cleansed from all your sins. It is a shabbat of solemn rest unto you, and you shall afflict … Read more
Moshe Kempinski On this week that precedes Rosh Hashanah, thousands of Jews gathered at the Western wall for a special evening of Selichot (penitential prayers) that were focused on the threat of Iran and its fanatic rulers. Just as in the time of Ahashverosh of the Purim story, another fanatic Haman declared that he would … Read more
Moshe Kempinski We are approaching the days of awe and repentance. It is in fact a time of great judgment and introspection for all the nations of the world. During this time in history , it is also a period wherein the whole world is engulfed in a time of great uncertainty and upheaval. The … Read more
Moshe Kempinski This Torah portion begins with war and ends with war. The Torah portion begins with the words ;”When you go out to war on your enemies, HaShem your G-d shall deliver them into your hands (Deuteronomy 21:10) .The portion ends with the words ; “[Therefore,] it will be, when HaShem your G-d grants … Read more
Moshe Kempinski The people of Israel and the world in general are entering into a very delicate and difficult phase of human existence. The menace of world wide terror and warfare looms just over the horizon. The people of Israel are particularly menaced as enemies gather around them in hostile preparedness. Egypt slowly and surreptitiously … Read more
Moshe Kempinski Moshe Rabbeinu relates the following declaration to his people as he speaks to them in the last 37 days of his life; Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing, that you will heed the commandments of HaShem your G.d, which I command you today; and the curse, … Read more
