How to Celebrate Shavuot in the Land of Israel
In Exodus 34:22, Shavuot is defined as the “Festival of Weeks,” marking “the first fruits of the wheat harvest.”
Newsletters
Bamidbar | Numbers 1:1 – 4:20
Why did the children of Israel receive the Torah in the desert of all places? The desert is often a lawless place, a wild west with untamed residents. The Torah provides stability and order, and reminds one that obedience matters, even in the desert.
A Letter from Shmuel, May 2026
On the night of the Passover Seder, we are commanded to recount the story of the Exodus, to...
Mount Kabir: Where the Promise was First Made!
Over 3,700 years ago, Abraham took his first steps on a path that would shape the destiny of his descendants.
Behar – Behukotai | Leviticus 25:1 – 27: 34
This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Behar- Bechukotai examine the laws of farming. Seemingly mundane, these laws were so important that they were given at Mt Sinai.
Emor | Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23
In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Emor, we confront a difficult question: Why were individuals with physical blemishes or disabilities excluded from serving in the ancient Temple?
Acharei Mot – Kedoshim | Leviticus 16:1 – 20:27
Shmuel dives into casting lots, the Day of Judgement, and finding a place for good and evil- welcome to parsha Acharei-Kedoshim!
Broader Perspective on the Days Ahead of Us
Have we truly finished what we in Israel started in Iran?
Tazria – Metzorah | Leviticus 12:1 – 15:33
Why does the Torah command a sin offering after childbirth in Parshat Tazria? What spiritual message is hidden in the pain of giving birth—and how is it connected to the biblical role of women, Jewish purity laws, and even Queen Victoria’s childbirth?
Gilgal: Where Israel Came Home at Last!
Forty years after the Children of Israel were redeemed from Egypt, an entirely new generation, led by Moses’ disciple Joshua, finally entered the Land of Israel, reaching a long-awaited milestone!