On this Sabbath, a very interesting convergence takes place as we have three major events worth noting: (1) Shabbat Nachamu, It is the first Sabbath after the Black Fast the darkest day on the Hebrew calendar and is therefore known as the Sabbath of Comfort. (2) the Holiday of Love, and (3) the Torah reading’s declaration of our faith, Shema Yisrael - all three center with the theme of love on this special Sabbath. Love is one of the most powerful forces that help unite and bring people together. This Torah portion also brings the message of a loving and compassionate God who wants us to truly treat one another with respect. We hope this message of love fills your life and allows you to comfort people who are going through a time of loss and it allows you to celebrate life in the fullest sense. Shabbat Shalom!

“If we were giving a farewell address to the people, what would we want to convey to our people, to our family and loved ones before our death? What kind of message do we want to send?” This week’s Torah Talk opens the portion of the fifth of the Five Books of Moses, the Book of Deuteronomy or Devarim, which contains the final words, the orations of Moses to the children of Israel before his death. Moses shares reminders of what they’ve gone through... from leaving Egypt to wandering in the desert, and everything they’ve experienced upon reaching the promised land and to warn them that before them is either a blessing or a curse, whatever they choose to make of their lives. Staying true to the values of the Torah allows them to grow and inspire others through this mission of bringing the light of the Torah to the world. The 9th of Av, Tisha b'Av also commemorates a very sad day when many tragedies occurred on the same day many years apart. Both Holy Temples were destroyed, and in 1942 came the decree of expulsion where the Jews were banished from Spain. Therefore it was decreed that this would be a day of mourning. In contrast with Yom Kippur known as the white fast, this is known as the black fast because no redemption is seen. However rabbinic legend holds that at the destruction of the Holy temple the spirit of the Messiah was born. In a moment of great darkness, a moment of great hope evolved and lifted people’s spirits. The Rabbi's message is one of hopefulness and belief in the future that no matter how dark things get, there will always be a time of redemption. We can rebuild that spirit in our own home, in our own lives, and in the lives of others whom we touch. Shabbat Shalom!

This week's Torah Talk comes during a period of time in the Jewish calendar known as “the three weeks end on the 9th of Av the dark fast commemorating the destruction of the holy temple”. This is a period of mourning and sadness that begins with the fast of the 17th of the month of Tammuz. The 17th of that Hebrew month commemorates the destruction of the holy temple. What caused the destruction of the temple? It was “causeless hatred''- hating someone for no reason, or for reasons that aren't worthy of hatred. For example, having a different political point of view or perspective or having a different attitude about some aspects of life. We all are aware that a house divided against itself cannot stand. We have to find a way to build bridges of mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding. If we can connect with one another with kindness, decency, and compassion then our religion will become meaningful, not a source of division but a source of unity which we desperately need. Shabbat Shalom!

On this Sabbath, a very interesting convergence takes place as we have three major events worth noting: (1) Shabbat Nachamu, It is the first Sabbath after the Black Fast the darkest day on the Hebrew calendar and is therefore known as the Sabbath of Comfort. (2) the Holiday of Love, and (3) the Torah reading’s declaration of our faith, Shema Yisrael - all three center with the theme of love on this special Sabbath. Love is one of the most powerful forces that help unite and bring people together. This Torah portion also brings the message of a loving and compassionate God who wants us to truly treat one another with respect. We hope this message of love fills your life and allows you to comfort people who are going through a time of loss and it allows you to celebrate life in the fullest sense. Shabbat Shalom!

The Torah portion this week is about a rebellion. It's the portion of Korah who led the rebellion against Moses in the wilderness. The people were constantly murmuring and backsliding against Moses' authority. It eventually erupted in a full-scale rebellion that stemmed from ego. When things happen from a place of ego and jealousy, they can never come to good ends. Moses ultimately had to lead the people and he was undoubtedly attuned to the constant undercurrent of rebellion, murmuring, anger at his leadership, and anger at their situation being in the wilderness. He undoubtedly recognized that they were possessed of what we call a "slave mentality". They were stuck in Egypt- their past. They could never see themselves triumphing or prevailing. Sometimes we get stuck in a habitual pattern of behavior that we are incapable of breaking out of. That was true with the Israelites who were punished and had to wander 40 more years in the wilderness. Let’s not be possessed with a "slave mentality" or be enslaved to anything. Recognize that our true and best self is when we serve others and serve our Creator. Shabbat Shalom!

This week’s Torah portion talks about the magnificent 7-branch golden Menorah, the most ancient historic symbol of Judaism. It carries a powerful message to the people that the light of faith and the light of belief survives, no matter what power is thrown against it. As the Menorah shines its light, so does an internal light and power that we carry within us. Shabbat Shalom!

Dear Friends, I send you greetings and best wishes for the Chanukah holiday! In past years we have been able to come together and celebrate our beautiful tradition of Chanukah as well as spend time with those we love. This year however, we are unable to meet in person and celebrate Chanukah in our temple home, the Saban Theater, due to the rising numbers of Covid cases. This year we will not be holding our in person Chanukah and Shabbat service. In lieu of this, we would like to invite you to spend Hanukkah with us virtually, through our website or simply CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE. As so many are finding prayer to be essential in getting through this difficult time, our gift to you is a collection of meaningful prayers for various occasions. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and light filled Hanukkah. Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah