Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

This week we celebrate Shabbat HaGadol, the "Great Shabbat," it is the Shabbat immediately preceding Passover. It's significant because it commemorates the Israelites' preparation for the Exodus from Egypt. According to tradition, on this Shabbat, the Israelites took the Paschal lamb, a central element of the Passover sacrifice, in defiance of their Egyptian taskmasters, who revered the lamb as a deity. This act of...Read more...

Passover commemorates the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom, marking a significant transformation in their status and identity. Similarly, the rituals outlined in Tazria involve processes of purification and renewal, particularly after childbirth or when dealing with skin diseases. These rituals signify a transition from a state of impurity to one of purity, symbolizing renewal and transformation.

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While there are commonalities in how Passover is celebrated across different Jewish communities, there are also variations in traditions and customs. Here are some differences between Moroccan, Iraqi, Lebanese, and Ashkenazi Jews during Passover:

Moroccan Jews have unique customs and rituals that add a distinctive flavor to their Passover observance. For example, they often...Read more...

As Jewish communities around the world prepare to celebrate the holiday of Purim, the joyous occasion is often overshadowed by the looming specter of antisemitism. In recent times, there has been a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, ranging from hate speech and vandalism to violent attacks targeting Jews. Against this backdrop, the age-old question resurfaces: should one fast on Purim...Read more...

À première vue, les histoires talmudiques semblent souvent n'être que cela - des tranches de vie d'il y a longtemps. Mais si le Talmud est considéré comme un livre étroitement édité dans lequel les mots et les images sont soigneusement choisis, le mot supplémentaire utilisé dans une telle histoire choisie pour la représentation peut être déchiffré pour exposer des messages qui vont au-delà du sens...Read more...

Do we really need a sanctuary?  Does G-d need a home in this physical world?  Isn’t G-d everywhere?  Isn’t G-d Omnipresent?

The basic understanding of Judaism is that G d is everywhere.  In this week’s Torah reading, G-d asks the people of Israel: “Ve’asu Li Mikdash VeShachanti Betocham” (to build a Sanctuary where G-d can inhabit).  The...Read more...

This week I would like to try something new and innovative. Rather than share my thoughts on this week's Parasha, I would like to open the door for discussion. Going forward, three questions in our Shabbat newsletter will be posed and this will allow us to discover in depth the hidden meanings of the weekly Parasha.

First a brief summary of Parashat Yitro. Hearing about the...Read more...

La Parasha Bo offre une perspective profonde sur la libération du peuple juif de l'esclavage égyptien, un récit qui peut résonner particulièrement fort en temps de guerre. Dans cette Parasha, les Israélites sont sur le point de quitter l'Égypte après l'impact dévastateur de plusieurs plaies.

L'idée centrale est celle de la libération, non seulement physique mais aussi...Read more...

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In a small village nestled amidst rolling hills, there lived a revered rabbi known for his wisdom and compassion. One day, a troubled man approached the rabbi seeking guidance.  "I am burdened by worries and difficulties, Rabbi," the man confessed. "Life seems unbearably challenging, and I feel lost."  The rabbi, with a gentle smile, handed the man a cup and said,...Read more...

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Rally for Israel, December 4, 2023 – Parliament Hill, Ottawa

The opportunity to lead and participate in a rally for solidarity for Israel at Parliament Hill in Ottawa this past Monday, with an audience of over 15,000 people, is yet again a significant and humbling experience. Singing the national anthems of both Canada and Israel adds a unique layer of cultural and patriotic richness to the event,...Read more...

Dear members of our incredible congregation,

Your unwavering support and generosity during the solidarity concert for...Read more...

Dear friends and congregants

Participating in the community rally to bring hostages home was a deeply meaningful experience that I will forever hold close to my heart. The opportunity to use my voice and join others to bring comfort, hope, and unity to our community during such a challenging time was truly an honor. It was a privilege to...Read more...

The Bible clearly sets out the obligation to seek peace as a prelude to any military activity; absent the seeking of peace, the use of force in a war violates Jewish law. It is apparent that while one need not engage in negotiations over the legitimacy of one's goals, one must explain what one is seeking through this military action and what military goals are (and are not) sought. Before this seeking of peace,...Read more...