Those who sang Hatikva at Bergen-Belsen did not become a people because they lived together, or spoke the same language or even looked alike. They were a people that became a nation because G-d ordained it to be so. On April 15, 1945, British forces liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany. Sixty-thousand prisoners … Read more
We read in the Passover Haggada the following words; We were slaves (Avadim HaYinu) to Pharaoh in Egypt. And HaShem our G-d brought us out from there with a strong hand ( Yad Chazaka) and an outstretched arm: And if the Holy One, blessed be He, had not brought our ancestors out of Egypt, then … Read more
Moshe Kempinski The Torah as a blueprint for life is filled with direction , instructions and tools that enable each individual navigate through the tempestuous waves of life. The transfer of those tools to the people “as a people” began during the Exodus from Egypt. Our sages remind us regarding Pesach that “In every generation … Read more
It is so easy for mortal man to feel lost in our world of dead ends and treacherous turns. Events spiral out of control at times and we re beset with difficulties that spring forth from surprising quarters. Logic and rational tools do not always provide the answers. In the midst of this raging sea … Read more
Moshe Kempinski A simple verse in Parshat Pekudei offers deep insight into our world today. In the midst of the Moshe’s stock taking of all the items that were gathered for the building of the Mishkan/Tabernacle we read: “And of the remaining thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made Vavim ( hooks ) … Read more
An oft repeated and common phrase in the world is that “the clothes make the man”. The headlines in the world poured out rivers of words describing the clothing of the rich and famous at international events. People are judged by the fit of the suit and the cut of shirt. Yet the word for … Read more
The torah portion begins with a confusing set of words “HaShem spoke to Moshe saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, and have them take for Me an offering; from every person whose heart inspires him to generosity, you shall take My offering.” (exodus 25:1-2) If this was truly to be an offering then the … Read more
By Clifford D. May image from (http://www.anti-cair-net.org/) If you see something, don’t say anything M. Zuhdi Jasser is a physician, a U.S. Navy veteran, an American patriot, and a Muslim who does not hold with those who preach that Islam commands its followers to take part in a war against unbelievers. The Third Jihad, a … Read more
