by Katie Eacrett | May 1, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! 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? Join us as we explore this challenging and often misunderstood topic...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 24, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! This Shabbat we have yet another double Torah portion: Achrei Mot- Kedoshim. Achrei Mot means “after the death” and begins after the death of Aaron’s sons and continues into the laws for priests during Yom Kippur. Shmuel dives into casting lots, the...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 17, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! 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?...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 7, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! This week Shmuel discusses the foundation for the laws of kosher food, as well as his personal adventures of keeping kosher as a world traveler. Why does kosher matter? Why is a snake forbidden but a goat acceptable? From rabbinic opinions to wild...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 6, 2026 | News from the Land
Shmuel Junger was recently invited by Christian for Israel International to share the story of Passover. He explores the meaning behind the three main components of the Seder: the sacrifice, the unleavened bread and the bitter herbs. The Seder tells the story of the...
