Chanukah: Beyond the Numbers by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The battle of the Jews against the Syrian–Greeks culminated with the miracle of the menorah and the holiday of Chanukah. But the story of Chanukah was not the only interaction that the Jews had with the Greek Empire. For centuries following the conquest of Alexander the Great, more »
To Be a Cream Cheese Jew by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The story of Yakov and Esav is an instructive one. Two brothers, raised in the same home by righteous parents, turned out so differently. Yakov becomes the father of the Jewish people, a nation that would gift the world the concepts of monotheism, self-control, and more »
“Where is Sarah, your wife?” by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The angels came to Avraham on a mission. They were to inform Avraham that he and Sarah would have the child of their dreams. Avraham and Sarah didn’t know that the guests were angels, and they served them food in a most generous way. After eating, more »
What did the neighbors say? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Our father Avraham was seventy-five when G-d gave him the directive to travel to what would become the land of Israel. Until then, he was doing his best to live and teach according to his beliefs in an Almighty G-d. Surely, Avraham had made some local more »
Working for G-d by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Talmud tells us that in the end of days, when it becomes clear that there is reward for doing mitzvos, there will be nations of the world who will wish for a second chance to accept the Mitzvos. Although at that time it really will be too more »
Angels for a Day by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. On it, Moshe came back from the Mount Sinai and informed us of G-d’s forgiveness. In Moshe’s hands were the second luchos, symbolizing the possibility for renewal and teshuva in all generations. Yom Kippur is also a fast day, and more »
Standing and Going by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The parshiyos of Nitzavim and Vayeilech, which are joined this year, present an intriguing point for discussion based on their translation. “Nitzavim” means “Standing,” while “Vayeilech” means “He went” (from the root that refers to “going”). Nitzavim is about the way Moshe spoke to the great assembly of more »
“I Have Arrived!” by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Jewish farmer arrived at the Beis Hamikdash with his Bikurim, his first fruits. He had waited for a very long time for this produce. On a personal level, he had spent months nurturing the trees, as well as had months of patience. On a national level, he more »
Remembering… by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine At the conclusion of the Parsha, we are told of a special mitzvah: Remember what Amalek did to you when you left Mitzrayim. As you left Mitzrayim proudly, hoping to bring a message of hope and freedom to humanity, Amalek attacked and tried to kill you. They expressed their jealousy more »
The Gift of Shema by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine When the Jewish people were ready to enter battle, a specially-appointed kohein would speak to the people. He would say, “Shema Yisroel-Listen Jews: We are ready to go into battle, and you must not fear. If there is anyone who is unworthy because of his sins, let more »