Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

Parachat Nasso, la plus longue section de la Torah, peut sembler à première vue être un mélange de rituels anciens et de recensements, mais à y regarder de plus près, elle offre des leçons profondes qui résonnent particulièrement avec notre monde contemporain—peut-être plus que jamais dans l’histoire du peuple juif.

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Ce que signifient les positions du Canada, de l’Espagne et du Royaume-Uni contre Israël – et comment les messages des parachiot Behar et Bechoukotaï nous aident à garder espoir

Les récentes prises de position du Canada, de l’Espagne et du Royaume-Uni contre Israël — notamment la reconnaissance d’un État palestinien et la condamnation des...Read more...

As we journey through the heart of the book of Vayikra (Leviticus), we encounter two deeply significant Torah portions: Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. Often read together, these parashiot present a blueprint for individual and communal holiness—a vision that is as critical today as ever.

Acharei Mot begins in the shadow of tragedy: the untimely death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. Their...Read more...

Dvar Torah – Parachat Shemini : La Sainteté, la Responsabilité et la Scène Politique Mondiale

La paracha Shemini est marquée par un contraste frappant. Elle commence par l’inauguration festive du Michkan — le Tabernacle — symbole de la présence divine et de l’unité nationale. Mais la joie est brusquement interrompue par une tragédie : Nadav et...Read more...

Passover (Pesach) continues to hold deep significance and symbolism for the Jewish people today, both in religious and cultural contexts. Its meaning has evolved over the centuries, but it remains a pivotal event in Jewish tradition, rich with themes of freedom, memory, identity, and community.

At its core, Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in...Read more...

Parashat Pekudei concludes the Book of Shemot (Exodus) and focuses on the final accounting of the materials used in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It emphasizes transparency, responsibility, and dedication in sacred work, highlighting Moses’ detailed reporting of all donations collected and used for the holy project. The portion also describes the completion of the Mishkan and the Divine Presence filling...Read more...

Parashat Ki Tisa is one of the most dramatic portions in the Torah, filled with themes of leadership, repentance, and divine connection. It teaches us powerful lessons that can guide us in making the world a better place. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. The Danger of Impatience and the Golden Calf

When Moses...Read more...

Building a Sanctuary of Community and Connection

In Parashat Terumah, we read of God’s precise instructions to build the Mishkan—a dwelling for the Divine among us. This sacred blueprint is not merely about physical construction but serves as a metaphor for our own communal life. As the Torah tells us, every individual is invited to contribute—regardless...Read more...

The parashah of Yitro is particularly significant as it recounts the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, a central event in Jewish tradition. It begins with the visit of Yitro (Jethro), Moses’ father-in-law, who, after hearing about the miracles God performed for Israel, joins the people in the desert. Observing Moses overwhelmed by the people’s judicial requests, Yitro suggests that he...Read more...

In Parashat Bo, the liberation of Bnei Yisrael from Egyptian slavery marks a decisive turning point in Jewish history. After the first nine plagues that struck Egypt, Hashem sends the final three: the plague of locusts, the plague of darkness, and finally, the death of the firstborn. At this moment, Pharaoh, who had stubbornly refused to release the Hebrews, finally yields under divine pressure.

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La parasha de Shemot marque le début d’une nouvelle ère dans l’histoire du peuple juif. Elle ouvre le Livre de l’Exode, où nous passons d’une famille patriarcale — celle de Jacob et ses fils — à une nation qui grandit sous l’oppression égyptienne. Ce passage de la liberté à l’esclavage, et ensuite à la rédemption, porte des leçons profondes sur la foi, la résilience et...Read more...

Parashat Vayigash offers profound insights that can be applied to navigating the uncertainties of today's political environment. As we face complex, often polarized political landscapes, the key messages from this Torah portion can guide us in addressing conflict, fostering reconciliation, and remaining hopeful in the face of adversity.

1. The Power of Reconciliation Amid...Read more...

Parashat Vayeshev tells the story of Joseph, his dreams, and the complex dynamics of his family. It is a parashah of sibling rivalry, betrayal, resilience, and the hidden hand of divine providence, which ultimately brings redemption. These themes resonate deeply in our modern lives, offering timeless lessons for personal growth and navigating societal challenges.

1. The Dangers of...Read more...

Jewish Developmental and Inclusion Shabbat: Honoring Every Voice in Our Community

This Shabbat, as we gather in celebration, we embrace a profound and beautiful truth: every individual is a vital part of our community, each with their unique strengths, challenges, and gifts. Jewish Developmental and Inclusion Shabbat reminds us of the Torah’s teaching that...Read more...

Strengthening Our Legacy Through Unity: Join Us for an Incredible Singles Night!

The Jewish community has thrived for centuries because of its strong commitment to unity, shared values, and the enduring power of tradition. Our survival through history’s challenges has always depended on the strength of our bonds—both familial and communal. Today, as we...Read more...