Hacking the Haftorah: CHAYEI SARAH
This series explores the connection between the weekly Torah portion read in synagogues (Parashat HaShavuah) and the Haftorah reading that follows from the writings of the prophets. The Five Books of Moses are read publicly in synagogues on Shabbat morning and completed over the course of a year. There is an ancient custom to follow […]
How close?
Hashem appears far beyond our grasp, beyond this world and beyond all galaxies, in the highest heavenly realm lies His throne of Glory. How far away God seems from us. But in truth, there is none as close as He. How close? Close enough to hear us whisper! (Jerusalem Talmud, Brachot 9)
Hacking the Haftorah: VAYERA
This series explores the connection between the weekly Torah portion read in synagogues (Parashat HaShavuah) and the Haftorah reading that follows from the writings of the prophets. The Five Books of Moses are read publicly in synagogues on Shabbat morning and completed over the course of a year. There is an ancient custom to follow […]
The calculus of giving
The merit of Tzedaka is so great that I am happy to give to 100 beggars even if only one might actually be needy. Some people, however, act as if they are exempt from giving charity to 100 beggars if one of them might be a fraud.(The Sanzer Rebbe)
The silent scream
“God heard the voice of the lad…” (Genesis 21:17). After Sarah complained about Yishmael harassing their son Isaac, Abraham reluctantly sent Yishmael and his mother Hagar away. Lost in the desert and with their water used up, Hagar cast her son under one of the bushes and wept in a loud voice as she waited […]
The last laugh
I have always found the story of Akedat Yitzchak, the Binding of Isaac, a difficult one to wrap my head around. There are countless reactions one could have to the story of God’s impossible request that Abraham sacrifice his only son. I’d like to share a thought that once occurred to me. Abraham was promised […]
Not by bread alone
Abraham extended his hand and took the knife to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22:10). The Hebrew word used here for knife is “ma’achelet”. The root of this word “achl” means to eat. We use knives for eating – but that’s not the whole story here. The Hebrew word for war, “milchama” has within it “lechem” […]
When?
“And he (one of the 3 angels) said, ‘I will surely return to you at this time next year, and behold Sarah your wife will have a son.’” (Genesis 18:10) Of course, Sarah did have a son – but scripture doesn’t record anything about this angel returning a year later. The phrase “ka’et chaya” is […]
Hacking the Haftorah: LECH LECHA
Each week, a portion of the Torah (Five Books of Moses) is read publicly in synagogues on Shabbat morning. This Torah portion is followed by a reading from the Prophets that is called the Haftorah. This series by Rabbi Michael Skobac explores the connection between the Parshat Hashavuah (the weekly Torah portion) and its Haftorah […]
Never judge a book by its cover
Two Jews, one poor and the other wealthy, were waiting to consult with a famous Tzadik (righteous sage). The rich man was called in first, and his meeting lasted for an entire hour. When the poor man was finally called in, he was given just a few minutes. He protested and said: Rebbe, that’s not […]