Parsha: Tetzaveh (2025)

As we get ready for Purim we read a special portion of the Torah called Parshat Zachor. It is the story of Amalek, and the commandment to get rid of this enemy. Amalek is the nation that attacked the Jewish people out of pure hatred. They represent the enemies of the Jewish people that want…

Parsha: Teruma (2025)

What does one do during these troubling and emotional times? What is the Jewish response? It is precisely at these moments that we have to dig within and remember who we are and our story. We can’t let our enemies define us or control our narrative. We have a rich heritage and history. We have…

Parsha: Mishpotim (2025)

Last week on Shabbat morning Alexander (Sasha) Troufanov was released after spending 498 days in captivity. One of the first things Alexander did was to thank G-d for his miraculous survival and eventual freedom. On that first Sunday morning, after his release, Alexander put on tefillin and prayed with the assistance of Rabbi Berel Lazar,…

Parsha: Beshalach (2025)

“March forward,” they did. Not long after, the Jewish people experienced one of the greatest miracles of all time, the splitting of the sea. In life we sometimes find ourselves surrounded by challenges, and we ask ourselves, “what am I supposed to do?” G-d’s response is, “march forward.” Keep climbing, for very soon if you…

Parsha: Bo (2025)

How is a proud Jew supposed to react when confronted with hateful messaging? Firstly, we must realise we are facing a bully. We should never be deterred or discouraged by bullies. We become determined to stay positive and spread feelings of pride and resilience. Bullies are not the ones to dictate how we live our…

Parsha: Vaeria (2025)

While we had to deal with the evil perpetrators who tried to being fear and darkness on our community, we also saw a strong and proud typical Jewish response from our own community. We came and filled the Shule Tuesday night. We filled it with prayer, song and pride. It was an uplifting and moving…

Parsha: Shemot (2025)

Parsha Shemot (2025)One of the most fascinating moments in the Torah, is when one of the greatest leaders of the Jewish people questions G-d himself. In the Parsha this week, Parshat Shemot, we read the story of the Jewish enslavement and suffering under the Egyptian tyrant Pharaoh. Moshe confronts the evil monarch. However instead of…

Parsha: Vayechi (2025)

Friday will be a fast day, Asarah B’Tevet, the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tevet. On this day in the year 425 BCE, the armies of the Babylonian emperor Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem. It’s a time to fast and repent. It is also a time to reflect on negative experiences we might…

Parsha: Vayigash (2025)

There was once a plane full of people flying overseas. During the flight there was a lot of turbulence, it felt as if the plane was being tossed back and forth. Everyone was frightened, some were screaming, and some tried to control their fears. There was one passenger a young 10 year old girl, who…