A Special Shabbat

While welcoming Chanukah by lighting the menorah, and Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh Tevet by lighting Shabbat candles this afternoon, take a moment to appreciate the special opportunity we…

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The Challenge of Fitting In

The weekly Torah reading of Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1-44:17), which almost always coincides with Chanukah, tells the story of the rise of Joseph the son of Jacob from slave to viceroy. And…

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Giving Gifts

“A person who is diligent in lighting Chanukah candles will have children who are scholars” (Talmud Shabbat 23b). The desire for scholarly children was actually one of the motivations for…

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These Lights We Kindle

While the mitzvah of lighting the menorah is an outward-focused mitzvah – the menorah is lit in a window or doorway – it is also an opportunity for personal reflection on the deeper…

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He is Always There

When reciting Ha’nayrot Halalu after lighting the menorah, remember how God brought salvation to the Jewish people during the events that transpired on Chanukah.

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Mikeitz 5783-2022

“In Those Days, in These Times” (updated and revised from Mikeitz 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously noted, the story of Joseph may be seen as the story of an…

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The 25th of Kislev

It is not uncommon to find that significant events in Jewish history occurred in different years, but on the same date on the Jewish calendar. For instance, Tisha B’Av (9th of Av), the…

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Get Inspired

Let the holiday of Chanukah be an inspiration to dedicate yourself to include more Jewish learning in your daily life.

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Joseph, Son of Jacob

The story of Jacob’s eleventh son is a tale of epic proportion. The firstborn of barren Rachel, Joseph was his father’s favorite child, and Jacob never hesitated to display his feelings…

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From Dreamer to Viceroy

Study the incredible story of Joseph, the young dreamer, one of the most famous biblical personalities, who went from interpreting dreams in prison to becoming the Viceroy of Egypt. There…

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