by eklein | Jan 11, 2022 | All, Jewish Life
In this week’s parasha, Beshalach (Exodus 13:17 – 17:16*), we continue the Exodus narrative. Ten plagues had fallen on Egypt, largely due to Pharoah’s hard-heartedness in not allowing Bnei-Israel to depart. The final plague was literally the “last straw:” the death of...
by eklein | Nov 22, 2021 | All, Jewish Life
In Vayeshev (“And he dwelt,” referring to Jacob in the land of Canaan), we can see the invisible hand of God orchestrating the story that ultimately leads to the coming of the Redeemer, Messiah Yeshua. This week’s portion isolates the early story of Joseph, who...
by eklein | Nov 18, 2021 | All, Jewish Life
Parashat VaYishlach, Genesis 32:4–36:43 It is almost 2022, marking a little under two years since the COVID-19 pandemic began and brought a plethora of social, economic, and political issues undeniably to the surface. Even as life improves marginally for some, new...
by eklein | Nov 11, 2021 | All, Jewish Life
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...
by eklein | May 23, 2021 | All, Jewish Life
A year and a half later, it almost feels impossible to remember life before COVID-19. It is bringing out the worst of us—and the best of us. This is consistent with the Jewish concept of yetzer hara and yetzer hatov. Yetzer hara is the evil inclination within us;...
