Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

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...

Parashat Lech Lecha is a powerful story of faith, identity, and the courage to venture into the unknown. God calls Abraham to leave his familiar homeland and embark on a journey to a promised land, where he will establish a new nation. This parasha reflects themes of trust, resilience, and a willingness to step forward even in the face of uncertainty. This message can resonate deeply when we consider Israel’s...Read more...

The Torah portion of Bereshit marks the beginning of everything—creation itself. It opens with the powerful words, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” reminding us of the profound significance of starting anew. Each year, as we conclude the cycle of Torah readings with the joy of Simchat Torah and immediately return to Bereshit, we are invited into a moment of...Read more...

The High Holidays—Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—are a period of profound reflection, renewal, and recommitment in the Jewish calendar. These days are a spiritual crossroads, an opportunity to assess our past, make amends, and prepare ourselves for a new beginning. But such a transformative process does not happen overnight. Entering the High Holidays fully requires preparation on three levels: physical, emotional, and...Read more...

Throughout Jewish history, the facilitation of unions and matchmaking, known as *shidduchim*, has held a special place in the community. Rooted in tradition, matchmaking is not only a practical way of forming families but also a sacred mitzvah, steeped in spirituality and meaning. In a world where relationships often seem transient or superficial, the Jewish approach to matchmaking serves as a reminder of the depth...Read more...