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Torah Sparks: Parshat Vayigash
Just as Yosef powerfully declared 'I am Yosef' to reunite with his brothers, so too will Hashem one day say 'I am Hashem', two simple words that will reveal truth, bring clarity, and redeem the world. Speak wisely; your words carry immense power.
Rabbi Ori Strum
53 minutes ago0 min read


Lou's Views: The Sydney Hanukkah Massacre: When Hate Goes Unchallenged
A joyful Hanukkah celebration by the sea turned deadly when gunmen opened fire, killing 15 and wounding dozens. In the chaos, a courageous Muslim bystander, Ahmed Al Ahmed, confronted an attacker and likely saved lives. His bravery proved that hate is the enemy of all decent people.
This tragedy demands moral clarity and decisive action,because unchallenged hatred becomes deadly.
Lou Shapiro
20 hours ago4 min read


Vayigash: The Courage to Approach the Truth
Vayigash marks the moment where avoidance ends and ownership begins. Judah steps forward and offers himself in Benjamin’s place… He stands present, grounded, and accountable. That posture creates safety, and safety allows truth to emerge. Only then does Joseph reveal himself.
Yehudah Kamman
20 hours ago2 min read


Beyond the Headlines: In Memory of Rabbi Eli Schlanger Hy”d
Rav Eli posted a lighthearted and joyful video entitled: ‘This is How We Fight Antisemitism.’ He filmed himself affixing a menorah to the roof of his car, dancing with joy in the street… We must strengthen our faith, proclaiming it loudly and clearly, and continue to do more mitzvot and good deeds to add more light to our world.
Sivan Rahav Meir
22 hours ago4 min read


Reconnecting Hearts: Exploring Cutoff & Reconciliation
Parshat Vayigash teaches reconciliation through stepping forward with vulnerability, like Yehuda approaching Yosef; listening with compassion; and committing to ongoing effort to mend familial bonds severed by emotional cutoff.
Elan Javanfard
22 hours ago3 min read


7 Common Intimacy Mistakes
Desire gaps cause deep loneliness in long-term relationships.
Common mistakes that kill desire:
1.Gifts/compliments with hidden expectations (= "loans")
2.Searching for magic pills/extracts
3.Forcing arousal without reducing stress
4.Threatening abandonment/divorce
5."Men/women need…" lectures (triggers parental mode)
6."It's your duty/halacha/Kesuba" pressure
7.Blaming childhood instead of fixing current patterns
Galia Savrasov
22 hours ago5 min read


Farbreng With The Kosher Gang: Fire, Pita, and Serious Vibes
Arais Machane Yehuda LA brings authentic Israeli alley vibes to the Valley with mouthwatering arais, shawarma, and salads. Founded by Izhak and Omer, inspired by Jerusalem's market, it scores 92/100 for genuine flavors and cozy atmosphere. Perfect for dates or events!
David Greenberg
1 day ago11 min read


Am I An Agunah Yet? Part Five: A Tiny Bit of Agency
After enduring isolation and a smear campaign meant to label her an “Isha Moredes” and minimize her divorce settlement, the author finds her voice and strength. She resolves to file for a Get on her own terms, submitting her application to the LA Beth Din despite poor response from the RCC.
Faigie Carmel
1 day ago3 min read


Where the View Meets the Vision: Inside VIDA Hadera
VIDA Hadera, a rare beachfront project in transforming Hadera, nears foundation completion with stunning sea views and Anglo-friendly amenities: Shabbat elevators, private shul, infinity pool, and communal sukkah. Starting at $670K USD, it’s a secure, meaningful investment for families feeling the pull toward Israel.
The LA Jewish Home
1 day ago3 min read


Aliyah as a Response to Bondi Beach?
The horrific antisemitic shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi Beach highlights that anti-Zionism and antisemitism are inseparable. Yet aliyah, immigration to Israel, remains largely absent from the conversation. It’s time to seriously discuss moving to Israel as a real option for Jews facing rising danger.
The LA Jewish Home
Dec 163 min read


Spreading Light Across the Diaspora: KKL-JNF Brings Hanukkah Cheer to Jewish Communities Worldwide
KKL-JNF spreads Hanukkah joy worldwide with 400 festive bundles, menorahs, dreidels, decorations, and giant dreidels, delivered to diaspora communities. Amid rising antisemitism, these gifts bring light, hope, and connection to Israel, celebrating Jewish resilience and unity.
The LA Jewish Home
Dec 152 min read


Beyond the Headlines: Sefer Torah at Rabin High School
“Tonight my soul is happy. This is the first time since Dani was killed that I’ve felt genuine happiness.” Gal Alush, dedicating a Sefer Torah to a secular school in her husband’s memory.
Sivan Rahav Meir
Dec 114 min read


Derech Eretz Corner: “OEBFR TEH DLIBN, OD ONT UPT A BLMUTSNG LKCOB”( Leviticus 19:14 )
Before the Blind, Do Not Put a Stumbling Block’ (Leviticus 19:14) A Torah command against leading others into aveiros, from toys on the floor to tempting words. Sheina Gilbert reminds us: Guard your actions to lift others up, not trip them. ‘Laugh WITH your friends, not at them... When Kindness leads our will.’ Avoid stumbling blocks; foster goodness every day.
Sheina Gilbert
Dec 112 min read


Forgiveness Unlocked A Miracle
11 years of infertility. Doctors said “no hope.” A mekubal asked one question: “Did you hurt your childless aunt in Johannesburg?” They flew across the world days before Pesach and begged her forgiveness on her doorstep. She forgave. Next Pesach: their son Yisroel Meir was born. One sincere “I forgive you” unlocked Heaven’s greatest blessing.
Daniel Agalar
Dec 113 min read


Ask The Rabbi
A kind non-Jewish visitor at the tefillin stand asks to put on tefillin as a gesture of solidarity. The young Chabadnik smiles warmly, places a gentle hand on his shoulder, and says, “Your heart is in exactly the right place — thank you. Tefillin are a special sign between Hashem and the Jewish people, but for you there are Seven Beautiful Commandments that light up the entire world. Let me share them with you.
Rabbi Dovid Nissan Bressman
Dec 113 min read


Parental Favoritism & Sibling Rivalry: Parshat Vayeshev
Yaakov didn’t just love Yosef more; he showed it in ways his other sons could see and feel. The colorful coat wasn’t just fabric; it was a public declaration that shattered the fragile balance among brothers. Thousands of years later, the Torah still whispers the same warning the Gemara shouts: even a small act of visible favoritism can wound a child’s heart forever.
Elan Javanfard
Dec 113 min read


The Relationship Reset: This Is the Feminine Power And the Lesson of Vayeshev
A young Jewish woman in modest dress and headscarf sits chained at the wrists, her face illuminated by a single candle’s flickering light. Behind her, a crowd of shadowy bearded men in traditional attire loom with judgmental expressions, their forms blending into walls covered with faint Hebrew text. Painted in haunting deep blues and reds, the dramatic scene powerfully symbolizes the isolation and entrapment of an agunah surrounded by community scrutiny.
Yehudah Kamman
Dec 113 min read


Should Netanyahu Be Pardoned — and Is It Time to Move On?
A pardon for Netanyahu is no longer about guilt or innocence, it’s about ending a decade-long national paralysis that has crippled Israel’s leadership and deepened its divisions at the worst possible time. Sometimes the law must yield to the survival needs of a nation.
Lou Shapiro
Dec 114 min read


Part Four: Am I An Agunah Yet??SMEAR CAMPAIGN
Trapped as an Agunah: Community ‘help’ turns to judgment, husband launches smear, ‘She’s crazy!’ Blame shifts, Get withheld. Image over truth. Freedom? Still waiting. #AgunahStories
Faigie Carmel
Dec 113 min read


Derech Eretz Corner: “Tis The Season”
“TIS THE SEASON”
This time of year the world lights up
In many different ways...
So let us treat each others’ joy
With kindness and true cheer
Respecting every sacred day
that visits this time of year.Long after our Hanukkah is over, we can take that light... and help make the world a better place.
Sheina Gilbert
Dec 111 min read
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