Why is this year different thank all other years?

Yes, it’s different. We’ve had an extremely challenging year but the secret of Jewish survival is embedded in the Passover Seder. We don’t pretend that life is perfect, to the contrary— but we do receive the strength to power on as we connect with the Almighty G-d who continues to take us out of Egypt!

Shemini - The Eight Day!

Things don’t happen overnight — not even for Moses and Aaron. Lessons from the greatest leaders, applicable for us all in our lives!

Vayakhel:

It’s a grand address and the response is overwhelming. The nation of Israel step forward with absolute generosity of heart and creativity of the soul to create an abode for G-d. It’s a magnificent Parsha — after all, constricting a house for G-d at its core is a magnificent opportunity!

Ki Tisa — The relationship between G-d and the Jewish nation graduates to the next level. No less than the worst blunder by the people to G-d is perpetrated but the ways of Hashem are the ways of forgiveness. And what doesn’t kill you — makes you stronger — in this case, literally!!

Terumah:

Contribution from the heart. We have social responsibility, communal responsibilities, taxes and fees but ultimately when it comes to G-d’s contribution and the way we live our lives — the generosity of our hearts is what’s encouraged. Opportunity vs responsibility is the way to create a true abode for the Divine!

Mishpatim: With the receiving of the Torah comes Divine guidance on how to live our lives. Guidance that doesn’t change from generation to generation as ethics and morals are constant. So what does the Torah say about self defense? About the ethics and morals of war? This Parsha has insight on that!

Parshat Yisro:

Jethro — the father in law of Moses joins the Jewish people. What prompts him to join and what innovation does he suggest the revolutionizes the system of wisdom and transmitting of the Torah? Listen to discover…

Beshalach— Exodus!

Pharaoh’s resistance finally breaks. But not totally — regret sets in. Really? 10 plagues not enough to convince him? Some applicable lessons to us each of how to let go and to allow faith to guide us!

Parshat Bo — THE exodus

Ten plagues, many warnings, miracles galore — Passover!! There’s a lot here but the parsha pauses and we get informed of the first Mitzvah that Hashem instructs Moshe. Create a calendar by calibrating and consecrating the new moon… whilst time management is important — the first mitzvah seems to underscore yet a deeper message!

Vaeira

Moses previously questions Hashem. Why have you made it worse for the people? Since I’ve approached Pharaoh it’s gone even further down hill. What is Moses asking & how could it be that Moses would challenge G-d? Listen on….