Messages from December 2021

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)

How to Deal with an Unmanageable Life The Parsha begins with the Almighty telling Moses that He is the same G-d Who appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He has heard the cries of His persecuted nation and is aware of His covenant with them. Therefore say to the Children of Israel, “I am […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)

Discovering Your Inner Youth It is the end of an era. Jacob has finally been reunited with his beloved Joseph and he lives the final seventeen years of his life in peace, surrounded by children and grandchildren. Joseph had two sons in Egypt and now Jacob, soon to die, talks to Joseph about them. Now, […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)Stop Sleeping and Start DreamingI am Joseph; is my father still alive? (Genesis 45:3)

I am Joseph; is my father still alive? (Genesis 45:3)These words are the climax of one of the Torah’s most dramatic stories. Joseph, the second most powerful person in Egypt, reveals his identity to his unsuspecting brothers. Question:  Why did he wait 22 years before telling his father (Jacob) that he was safe and thriving in […]

Chanukah 5782-2021:Transforming Our Monsters

Eric A. Kimmel’s  book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, is a Chanukah favorite for many children; here’s a brief summary.Hershel, a wandering Jew, wanders upon a Jewish village on Chanukah and notices that no one is lighting Chanukah candles. The villagers explain to him that a group of goblins have been tormenting the village during the Chanukah […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1-44:17) Chanukah and Your Ability to Be A Role Model

 Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, neither of which could be explained by anyone in his court. Pharaoh’s wine steward had seen Joseph’s ability to explain dreams when the two were cell mates in prison. He suggested that Joseph, a young Hebrew slave, might be able to explain Pharaoh’s disturbing dreams. Desperate for a suitable interpretation, […]