In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayelech, Moshe continues to prepare for his upcoming demise, soon to take place on the eastern banks of the Jordan River. He is commanded to write the song of Torah, to teach it to the Bnei Yisrael, to place it...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Nitzavim, we learn about the mitzvah of teshuva, repentance. Not for naught is this parsha read before Rosh Hashana, as it reminds us of leaving our sins behind and returning in purity and holiness to G-d. וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד-ה’, וְשָׁמַעְתָּ בְקֹלוֹ,...
These Pumpkin-Apple-Maple Muffins are healthy, moist and simply delicious! They are perfect for Rosh Hashana, as they incorporate two of the simanim: pumpkin (gourd) and apples (with maple syrup in lieu of honey). I baked them fresh and served them at parsha class yesterday, and they...
This kugel is perfect for Rosh Hashana, when we have a tradition to eat leeks as one of the simanim: she’yi’korsu so’nay’nu, may our enemies be cut down. It’s a fresh and different side dish, bursting with flavor. It’s easy to prepare and low fat/healthy. This...
This week’s parsha, Parshas Ki Savo, begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim, the dedication of the first fruits of the shivas ha’minim (seven species of the Land, Devarim 8:8), and the bringing of the fruits up to Yerushalayim, to the kohen in the Beis Ha’Mikdash. ...
Here is a lokshin kugel recipe in honor of the upcoming yomim tovim, when we have a custom to eat apples and honey for a sweet new year. It’s super easy to prepare, delicious, and will be enjoyed by all! It’s perfect for the yomtov...
This scrumptious chicken salad is perfect for any time you have cold, leftover BBQ chicken, and you are not sure exactly what to do with it (but don’t want to throw it out!). This salad is delicious served on whole-wheat toast, atop a lettuce salad, or...
This week’s parsha, Ki Seitzi, ends with an account of the battle of Amalek against Am Yisrael (see Shemos 17). זָכוֹר, אֵת אֲשֶׁר-עָשָׂה לְךָ עֲמָלֵק, בַּדֶּרֶךְ, בְּצֵאתְכֶם מִמִּצְרָיִם - Remember what Amalek did to you, on the way, when you were leaving Egypt; that he...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shoftim, the Torah famously instructs us: צֶדֶק צֶדֶק, תִּרְדֹּף לְמַעַן תִּחְיֶה וְיָרַשְׁתָּ אֶת-הָאָרֶץ - Righteousness, Righteousness shall you pursue, so that you may live and take possession of the land that Hashem, your G-d, is giving you (Devarim 16:20). Rashi (ibid)...
This Shabbos Kodesh and Yom Rishon (Shabbos and Sunday) we mark the days of Rosh Chodesh Elul… It is hard to believe, but it is Elul once again. The final, impactful, hopefully awe-inspiring, stirring month of the year. If we have been lax in our avodas...