09 Jan VERY notice about today’s dvar torah!
This post accidentally contains Shaimos. Please treat with care and dispose of accordingly!...
09 Jan Parshas Vayechi: When The End Will Come
With this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayechi, the curtain once again closes on the Book of Bereishis. As many times as we have journeyed and learned through the Book of Bereishis, it is always most impactful, enriching, and rewarding to do so once again. And every...
06 Jan Roasted Balsamic-Honey Broccoli with Sautéed Onions & Garlic
I’m always looking for a new way to serve vegetable side dishes, to keep things interesting and fun for my family and guests. This broccoli dish is different, tangy and delicious. It will surely be enjoyed by all around your table! Like (almost) all of...
02 Jan Vayigash/Siyum HaShas – The Secret to Our Survival
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayigash, after Yosef’s shocking revelation, “I am Yosef, is my father still alive?” (Bereishis 45:3), Yaakov and his family descend, en masse, to Egypt. Yosef, the Provider and Viceroy of Egypt (and the entire ancient Middle East), will sustain his...
26 Dec Parshas Miketz – Yosef the Ruler, Yosef the Humble
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Miketz, freedom comes suddenly for Yosef ha’Tzadik, Yosef the righteous, who has languished for the past twelve years in Egyptian jail, after wrongly accused - and framed - of attempting to seduce Eishes Potiphar (Ch.39). After ten years in jail, one...
19 Dec Chanukah 5780 – Kindling the Jewish Spirit
This Sunday evening, 24 Kislev 5780, corresponding to December 22, we will light the first Chanukah candle as we commemorate both the miracle of oil and the Maccabee victory over Antiochus and his men (B”T Shabbos 21b). Based on the teachings of R’ Avraham Yitzchak ha’Koken...
18 Dec Spinach-Cheese (Whole Wheat Penne) Lasagna
As we prepare for the festive days of Chanukah, when many have family and friend gatherings, and many have a custom to eat dairy (https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/2788472/jewish/Cheese-and-Dairy-on-Chanuka.htm); This pasta dish is a tasty, filling and healthy recipe to add to your menu. I call it lasagna, even...
12 Dec Vayishlach: The Courage to be a Jew
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov Avinu is returning home to Eretz Yisrael after having lived for the past twenty years with Lavan, his uncle/father-in-law. During this time, he married his wives - Leah, Zilpah, Rachel and Bilhah, fathered eleven sons and one daughter,...
05 Dec Vayeitzei – The Influence of the Righteous
As this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei, opens, we meet Yaakov Avinu on the run. Fleeing the wrath of his brother Eisav over the contested blessings, Yaakov is running to the home of Lavan, his uncle, where he will marry his wives and establish his family,...
03 Dec Whole Wheat Date Chocolate Chip Muffins
This is a great muffin when you want a healthy snack that is very low fat, and sweetened with all-natural sugars. The muffins are super quick to throw together, and the most “labor-intensive” part is cutting the dates. They freeze very well. Whole Wheat Date -...