Sorrow and Resolve After Chabad Shooting

Passover has ended and we are counting the Omer to Shavuot. In the midst of it we learn once again that hate is alive throughout. On the 27th of April, the Chabad synagogue just outside of San Diego was attacked. The early reports are that the perpetrator who killed one and injured three, including the rabbi, was motivated by ethnic hate – age old anti-semitism. MJTI’s own office is located just 20 minutes down the highway; the attack happened while we were at services of our own. We are thankful that the fatalities were not greater and that the injuries were not more widespread, and our condolences go out to the families and others effected by this terrible event. As with any anti-semitic attack, we are made even more aware that serving God through our Jewish training institute does not exempt us from the vile world and its actors around us. We are giving our lives to educate others; this is our calling, and we will not back down from it.

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A Plea for Humanity

The war in Ukraine has reached the two month mark. Rabbi Klayman reflects on the reasons why we must not let it become the “new normal.”

When Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place…

It is incredible how quickly we can go from the mountaintop of joy to the swampy marshland of depression! At such times we must step out in faith, trusting that HaShem will honor his word, his promise.

A Reflection on Divine Authority

On the one hand, knowing that we have a faithful God is incredibly reassuring! On the other hand, accepting His authority over our lives is incredibly difficult. Rabbi Michael Hillel shares his insights from a recent Bible study on Luke 20:1-8 and how Yeshua’s authority manifests across several Biblical narratives.

The Story Behind the Posner Menorah

You may have seen the iconic photo of a Hanukkah menorah defiantly in the window across from a Nazi flag. For the Hanukkah edition of This Month in Jewish History, Dr. Stan Meyer shares the story behind the photo and how it still touches our lives today.

Light Over Might

Hanukkah is about fighting for political autonomy and religious freedom… right? With our contemporary values, it can actually be difficult to examine the Hanukkah narrative to understand some of the more challenging elements. Rabbi Paul Saal takes a look.

Vayeshev: The Winding Road to Messiah

There are many injustices in the story of Joseph, from his father’s favoritism provoking his brothers’ violent jealousy to the cupbearer forgetting Joseph in prison. How are we supposed to feel in the face of disappointment? Rabbi Elliot Klayman breaks down this week’s parasha.

Favor Elevates Its Giver

After the drama of Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright and blessing—and then absconding to Paddan-aram for 20 years—this week’s parasha sees Jacob having to reunite with his estranged brother. What can this surprising moment of reconciliation show us about our relationships today?

Vayeitzei: The Continuing Journey

The patriarchal narrative continues in this week’s parasha, Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10 – 32:3). We find Jacob on his way tp Haran, seemingly in an attempt to get away from his justifiably-angry elder twin brother Esau, after Jacob had stolen Esau's blessing from their...

Sholem Asch: Introducing Jews to the Rabbi from Nazareth

November, 1880: Sholem Asch, the Jewish author, was born. Dr. Stan Meyer takes a look at his life and the impact he still has on our world today.

The Path Behind and the Road Ahead: A New Journey

The High Holidays are behind us for another year. We have travelled God’s way in those marathon weeks, and it may be tempting for us to settle back into a comfortable, mindless rhythm until Chanukah starts at the end of November. However, from shofar blowing and...