As we come together beneath the nurturing shelter of our newly dedicated Sukkah, a tribute to the cherished Chava, our spirits overflow with gratitude. Chava’s unwavering dedication to our community renders this dedication deeply meaningful and resonates with all of us. To all who poured their energy and heart into this sacred space and its […]
As we approach the joyous festival of Sukkot, following the deep introspection of Yom Kippur, it’s essential to delve deep into the significance of this unique mitzvah and understand the profound messages it carries. Immediately after Yom Kippur, while still bathed in its spiritual aura, our tradition calls upon us to step outside, away from […]
Kol Nidrei: The Sacred Echoes of Commitment The canvas of Jewish tradition is vast and intricate, and if we were to choose a singular moment that resonates deeply within our collective soul, it would undoubtedly be the recitation of Kol Nidrei. As the sun sets and Yom Kippur begins, this evocative declaration unites Jews across […]
On this sacred day of Shavuot, let us reflect upon the profound bond between parents and their adult children. In yesterday’s reading of the Ten Commandments, we were reminded of the divine mandate to honour our father and mother. Today, as we immerse ourselves in the beautiful story of Ruth, let us explore the depths […]
The Importance of Number Four on Pesach Friday, 7 April 2017 יום שישי, י”א בניסן תשע”ז The number FOUR plays a dominant role in the story of Pesach and especially at Seder night. Leading up to Pesach, there are four special Shabbatot on which we read additional portions of the Torah, for the Maftir, with appropriate […]
The colour white is central to the celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The normal-coloured curtain of the Ark, Parochet, is replaced with a white curtain. The normal-coloured mantles of the Sifrei Torah are changed and covered with white mantles and the Bimah is covered with a beautiful white cloth. In many Orthodox synagogues, […]
During Sukkot, we read the Scroll of Kohelet, which is one of the five scrolls, to be found in the third Biblical section which is called ‘Writings’. In Hebrew the section is called Ketuvim. The Hebrew word for the Bible is Tanach, which is an abbreviation for Torah, Neviim, the prophets, and Ketuvim. The section […]
TASHLICH One of the most well-known customs, which we observe on Rosh Hashanah, or in the days before Yom Kippur, is the practice of the ceremony of Tashlich. It originates from a speech delivered by the Prophet Micah, who lived in the eighth century BCE. He said: Who is a God like you, who […]
THE CHANUKKAH PUZZLE I expect that many people will have heard that CHANUKKAH is often referred to as a minor Festival. So my first question is: Why is it called a minor Festival? The reason is because it did not originate in the days of the Torah and none of the eight days are considered […]