by Rabbi Chanan Morrison “Jacob called for his sons. He said, ‘Gather together, and I will tell you what will happen in the end of days.’” (Gen. 49:1) In fact, Jacob never did reveal to his sons when the final redemption would take place. According to the Midrash, this esoteric knowledge was hidden from Jacob. … Read more
Moshe Kempinski We are living in a time wherein the first sparks of dawn have begun to spread their light throughout the world. The confusion and the darkness that has covered the world for so very long is slowly beginning to dissolve away. Events, challenges and calamities are beginning to interconnect in such a way … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson Suitable Wicks and Oils The Mishnah (Shabbat, chapter two) discusses which wicks and oils are suitable for Sabbath lights. Certain materials may not be used for wicks since they make ‘the flame sputter’ and fail to burn evenly; and certain oils may not be used because ‘they do not flow freely to … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson “They took Joseph and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty, without water in it” (Gen. 37:24). When the brothers threw Joseph into the pit, the exile began – not just Joseph’s personal exile from his father’s house and the Land of Israel. From that dark, empty pit, began the … Read more
Moshe Kempinski Israeli policy has usually been directed by a gnawing fear that has become the subtext of the Jewish psyche, the fear of being alone. Throughout Jewish history the embattled people of Israel have developed conditions and neuroses very similar to victims of abuse. At times, they have begun to blame themselves for the … Read more
by Rabbi Shraga Simmons How you can join the battle. We’ve heard a lot about the incredible success of Iron Dome, Israel’s anti-missile system that has successfully intercepted hundreds of Gaza rockets. In Hebrew, the word for “dome” is kippah – the same word used for the Jewish head covering. In Judaism, the physical and … Read more
by Rabbi Chanan Morrison We know little about the birth of most Biblical personalities. Yet, the Torah describes in detail the birth of Jacob and Esau and their respective naming. “The first one came out reddish, hairy all over like a fur coat. They named him Esau. His brother then came out, his hand grasping … Read more
Rabbi Chanan Morisson “Sarah died in Kiryat Arba, also known as Hebron, in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to eulogize Sarah and to weep for her.” (Gen. 23:2) On February 18, 1930, a somber gathering assembled in the Yeshurun synagogue in Jerusalem. The synagogue and its plaza were packed as crowds attended the memorial … Read more
