Parshas Tazria, the first of this week’s double-parshios (Tazria-Metzora in Chutz la’Aretz) focuses mainly on the identification and diagnosis of the spiritual malady of tzara’as: a spiritual illness with a physical manifestation. Chazal (the Sages, Arachin 16a) lists seven causes of tzara’as, the most well-known...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemini, Aharon and his sons are officially and formally inducted into the Kehunah, as their priestly roles are assigned to them. The parsha opens on the celebratory Eighth Day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), when the Mishkan was...
Chag Ha’Pesach is here once again. Zman Cheiroseinu - the time of our freedom; Chag Ha’Matzos - the festival when we eat matzah; Chag Ha’Aviv - the holiday that must always be celebrated in the spring season. This layl Shabbos (Friday night), we will sit down...
This is a super easy recipe (no peeler, pot or mixer needed), and yields a delicious muffin, great for side dishes at your Yom Tov meals, or as a snack for the kids (or adults!) in the afternoon. Pre heat the oven to 350*, and prepare...
In lieu of a Parsha Post, this week’s post is a Pesach Dvar Torah. As we prepare to sit down to our Seder table, and relate the story of our enslavement and miraculous redemption, the Sages teach that: כל המרבה לספר, הרי זה משבח -...
On Shabbos we will read the final of the four special parshios (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah & HaChodesh) read in preparation for Pesach. In addition to beginning Sefer Vayikra, and reading Parshas Vayikra, we will read from Shemos 12, regarding Kiddush ha’Chodesh - the sanctification of...
This is a really quick and easy recipe to throw together, and super tasty. Especially as Pesach comes around, I’m always looking for new veggie sides. Once all those vegetables that can’t be checked are ruled out, and kitniyos are ruled out (for Ashkenazim), there’s...
With this week’s double parshios, Vayakhel-Pekudei, we close the book of Shemos once again. The road to redemption outlined in Sefer ha’Geula (the Book of Redemption) is complete, as the Bnei Yisrael finish the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and the presence of G-d rests...
This is a tasty, nutritious, colorful and satisfying dish - for Pesach or anytime of the year. It would be a lovely complement to a fish meal, or any vegetarian/dairy menu. As are most of my recipes, it’s relatively easy to put together. My tasters Sunday...
It’s hard to believe, as we marvel at the passage of time, that it’s Purim once again. The winter has just about passed and with Purim, we begin to move into Chodesh ha’Aviv (Spring season). The one day celebration is marked with four special mitzvos: Mishloach...