Insights from Reverend Hazan Benlolo

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...

The month of Elul, the final month of the Jewish calendar, is a period steeped in introspection, preparation, and spiritual renewal. As the gateway to the High Holidays, Elul is not merely a time for reflecting on the past year but is also an opportunity to reconnect with our spiritual selves, prepare for repentance, and cultivate a deeper relationship with God. This period is significant because it sets...Read more...

Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of comfort, is one of the most poignant and spiritually significant days in the Jewish calendar. It immediately follows Tisha B'Av, the day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people throughout history. Tisha B'Av is a day of deep sorrow, fasting, and reflection, marked by the...Read more...

As we find ourselves in the midst of Ben Hametzarim, also known as the Three Weeks, the Jewish community enters a period of mourning and reflection. This time, spanning from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av, marks the commemoration of the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. The observance of these days is not merely a historical recollection but a profound opportunity for introspection...Read more...

The Torah portion of Balak can offer several relevant insights in light of the current experiences of the people of Israel, particularly with regard to rampant antisemitism. Here's a breakdown of how the narrative and themes can be applied to contemporary issues:

In the portion of Balak, King Balak of Moab hires the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites....Read more...