As we approach Passover, Pesach, the concept of the Jewish calendar comes to mind. In fact, the first commandment the Jews were given as a nation was to celebrate Passover in spring, and to count the months of the calendar from Passover based on the monthly cycles of the moon. So I think this is an appropriate time to talk about Jewish time. Measuring and marking the passage of time is ...
Read MoreThe Opening Words of the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) show us that a Jew must always be decent. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher explains the meaning of a "Yahrzeit" - on the anniversary of the passing of his father, of blessed memory. View this video directly on Vimeo.
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As we are no preparing for Passover, of course, we begin to think about the exile in Egypt and about exile in general. When one becomes familiar with the Torah and with Judaism, one will observe that exile features frequently in the Torah. Adam and Eve are exiled from the Garden of Eden, Cain is exiled, Abraham has to go into exile in Egypt and Jacob and his sons also ...
Read MoreThe mitzvah of "bris milah" is discussed for a second time in this week's parha, and Rabbi Mordechai Becher asks what is so special about the number eight - the number of days after birth that the circumcision of a Jewish boy takes place. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher looks back at Purim, and tries to take out a few "good" ideas from the holiday. View this video directly on Vimeo.
Read MoreRabbi Mordechai Becher discusses Parshas Zachor, which is read on Shabbat in synagogues. This short paragraph tells us to destroy the nation of Amalek. Amalek was so consumed with their hatred of the Jewish people that they were prepared to even destroy themselves if they could destroy the Jews at the same time. Interestingly the hatred of the Palestinian arabs against the State of Israel and the Jews is consuming ...
Read MoreG-d issues a command that salt must be added to the offerings brought on the altar, and links salt to His covenant with us. Why is salt so important? View the video directly on Vimeo
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