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Shmini (Eighth) – Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47

One of the most tragic events in the Bible takes place in this week’s reading. Leviticus 10 begins with the story of the death of Nadav and Avihu, who brought a “strange fire” before G-d. It is not clear exactly what Nadav and Avihu did that angered G-d.

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A Visit With Shmuel: Ofra

This month, I visited the community of Ofra, one of the original Jewish communities in Samaria. What began as a workers camp grew into the first modern Jewish community north of Jerusalem.

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April 2023 Heartland Highlight: Ofra

The Heart of Benjamin program, in Ofra, caters to families residing in the Benjamin region, providing resources for severely disabled children and their families, and helping them navigate a myriad of educational and social challenges. During the week before Passover the program operates camps for the severely disabled children, providing structure, and a memorable camp experience.

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 Israel in its Most Difficult Hour

After weeks of aggressive demonstrations in the streets of Israel against the Government’s proposed judicial reform, in the past few days, things reached a frenzy that was truly frightening.

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Vayakhel/Pikudei (Gathered/Accounts) Exodus 35:1 – 40:38

The first verse in chapter 40 provides us with the date that the Tabernacle was completed — the first day of the first month, or the first of Nissan. Nissan is the month which begins the Biblical count of months and it falls at this time of year. It is also known as the month of the spring (Deuteronomy 16:1). It is not the month of Rosh HaShana

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