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If you're thinking of converting to Judaism: Completion of the Intro Program fulfills the learning requirements for conversion of the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Once you finish the course requirements and secure a sponsoring rabbi, you are eligible to become officially part of the Jewish People. If you're already Jewish: Whether you were born Jewish but never quite learned what it’s all about, you’re back after a long hiatus, or you’re just looking for a deeper understanding of your heritage, most of us could use a bit of a refresher. Jews from all walks of life enroll in the program: from people who had a Jewish day school education to those whose strongest connection was the annual box of matza on the kitchen counter. Topic: 2022 Miller Introduction to Judaism Sundays, Starting January 23, 2022 Time: 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM Pacific Time Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89104655894?pwd=MHZ5clB6alBzYjBMZkIzWXllcndiZz09 Meeting ID: 891 0465 5894 Passcode: 228084

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Join us for the start of the High Holiday season. We will be conducting Rosh Hashannah Ma'ariv and Shachrit. We will have a pot luck lunch after the morning Rosh Hashannah service about 1:15 pm followed by Tashlich. Ma'ariv Sunday 9/29 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Shachrit Monday 9/30 9:30 pm - 1:00 pm Tashlich Monday 9/30 2:30 pm

Parashat Vayeshev 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 13 December 2025  / 23 Kislev 5786 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayeshev is the 9th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1-40:23 Vayeshev (“He Settled”) begins the story of Joseph, describing his rivalry with his brothers, slavery in Egypt, and imprisonment after his master’s wife frames him in response to Joseph’s refusal of her advances. It also contains the story of Tamar, her husbands, and her father-in-law, Judah. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 37:1-3  · 3 p’sukim  p.141 2: 37:4-7  · 4 p’sukim  p. 141 - 142 3: 37:8-11  · 4 p’sukim  p. 142 4: 37:12-17  · 6 p’sukim  p. 142 - 143 5: 37:18-22  · 5 p’sukim  p. 143 6: 37:23-28  · 6 p’sukim  p. 143 - 144 7: 37:29-36  · 8 p’sukim  p. 144 - 145 maf: 40:20-23  · 4 p’sukim  p. 151 Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8  · 19 p’sukim p. 151 - 154 Commentary and Divrei Torah   Sefaria       OU Torah       Rabbi Sacks z”l       Jewish Theological Seminary What makes Torah so fascinating is analyzing seemingly incongruent characteristics and events.  One might ask, “what is so incongruent about this portion?”. Consider Jacob’s wives.  His two main wives were Leah and Rachel.  Sages have contended that Leah, technically his first wife, was his spiritual wife, while Rachel, his second wife, was his “pleasure” wife.  They derive this from the facts that Leah gave birth first, and to half of his children, while Rachel only gave birth to two, and then only after his other, “minor” wives of Zilpah and Bilhah, gave birth to two of his sons each. Also, Rachel died while traveling and was buried in that spot whereas Leah was buried alongside Jacob in the cave of Machpelah, their sepulcher.  Rachel’s first born son, Joseph, was a prophet.  He had dreams that gave a spiritual interpretation of events and foresaw the future.  This would elevate his spirituality above his brothers.  Given the context and aforementioned conditions, one would have considered that it would be one or maybe all of Leah’s sons who would be so endowed.  However, none of them did. Another consideration is behavior.  Joseph flaunted his dreams, of sheaves of wheat and planetary bodies bowing to his “avatars”, a characteristic of his youthful folly.  Yes, his brothers acted on their jealousy of him by plotting his death and selling him away from their family.  But they did redeem themselves, Reuben and Judah, specifically, by tempering the brothers thirst for revenge by assuaging their passions with suggestions for mercy.  Perhaps part of the lesson here is that we need to temper our spirituality with mercy.  That in interpreting Hashem’s teachings, we need to be mindful of humanity. Parashat Vayeshev 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 13 de diciembre de 2025/23 Kislev 5786 Parashá Vayeshev es la novena porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo anual judío de lectura de la Torá. Parashá: Génesis 37:1-40:23 Vayeshev (“Se estableció”) comienza la historia de José, describiendo su rivalidad con sus hermanos, su esclavitud en Egipto y su encarcelamiento después de que la esposa de su amo lo incriminara como respuesta a la negativa de José a sus insinuaciones. También contiene la historia de Tamar, sus esposos y su suegro, Judá. [1] Trienal 1 1: 37:1-3 · 3 p’sukim p.141 2: 37:4-7 · 4 p’sukim p. 141-142 3: 37:8-11 · 4 p’sukim p. 142 4: 37:12-17 · 6 p’sukim p. 142 - 143 5: 37:18-22 · 5 p’sukim p. 143 6: 37:23-28 · 6 p’sukim p. 143 - 144 7: 37:29-36 · 8 p’sukim p. 144 - 145 maf: 40:20-23 · 4 p’sukim p. 151 Haftará: Amós 2:6-3:8 · 19 p’sukim p. 151 - 154 Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torá Rabino Sacks z”l Seminario Teológico Judío Lo que hace a la Torá tan fascinante es analizar características y eventos aparentemente incongruentes. Uno podría preguntarse: "¿Qué tiene de incongruente esta porción?". Consideremos las esposas de Jacob. Sus dos esposas principales fueron Lea y Raquel. Los sabios han sostenido que Lea, técnicamente su primera esposa, fue su esposa espiritual, mientras que Raquel, su segunda esposa, fue su esposa de "placer". Deducen esto del hecho de que Lea dio a luz primero y a la mitad de sus hijos, mientras que Raquel solo dio a luz a dos, y solo después de que sus otras esposas "menores", Zilpa y Bilha, dieran a luz a dos de sus hijos cada una. Además, Raquel murió mientras viajaba y fue enterrada en ese lugar, mientras que Lea fue enterrada junto a Jacob en la cueva de Macpela, su sepulcro. El primogénito de Raquel, José, fue profeta. Tuvo sueños que... Dio una interpretación espiritual de los acontecimientos y previó el futuro. Esto elevaría su espiritualidad por encima de la de sus hermanos. Dado el contexto y las condiciones mencionadas, se habría pensado que uno o quizás todos los hijos de Lea serían dotados de esa manera. Sin embargo, ninguno lo fue. Otro factor a considerar es su comportamiento. José hizo alarde de sus sueños de gavillas de trigo y cuerpos planetarios inclinándose ante sus "avatares", característicos de su locura juvenil. Sí, sus hermanos actuaron impulsados ​​por la envidia que sentían hacia él, planeando su muerte y vendiéndolo lejos de su familia. Pero Rubén y Judá, en particular, se redimieron al moderar la sed de venganza de sus hermanos, apaciguando sus pasiones con sugerencias de misericordia. Quizás parte de la lección aquí es que necesitamos moderar nuestra espiritualidad con misericordia. Que al interpretar las enseñanzas de Hashem, debemos ser conscientes de la humanidad.

Parashat Vayishlach 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח 6 December 2025  / 16 Kislev 5786 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayishlach is the 8th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 32:4-36:43 Vayishlach (“He Sent”) follows Jacob and his family as Jacob wrestles with a man (commonly understood as an angel), is renamed Israel, and reconciles with his brother, Esau. Jacob’s daughter, Dina, is raped by a Hivite prince, and her brothers sack a city in response. Rachel dies as she gives birth to Jacob's youngest child, Benjamin. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 32:4-6  · 3 p’sukim  p. 122 2: 32:7-9  · 3 p’sukim  p. 122 3: 32:10-13  · 4 p’sukim  p. 122 - 123 4: 32:14-22  · 9 p’sukim  p. 123 - 124 5: 32:23-30  · 8 p’sukim  p. 124 6: 32:31-33:5  · 8 p’sukim  p. 124 - 125 7: 33:6-20  · 15 p’sukim  p. 125 - 127 maf: 36:40-43  · 4 p’sukim  p. 134 Haftarah: Obadiah 1:1-21  · 21 p’sukim p. 135 - 137 Commentary and Divrei Torah   Sefaria       OU Torah       Rabbi Sacks z”l       Jewish Theological Seminary Jacob has a lot going on.  He is leaving the company of Laban, his father-in-law to raise his family.  He is told, however, that his brother Esau is coming to meet him with four hundred men.  Of course, he fears the worst. Consider his process of dealing with this threat.  He take a three-pronged approach: he prays; he divides his families up so that if any one of them is attacked, the others will get away and survive; and he sends gifts to his brother to appease him.  But there is yet another strategy involved.  During sleep, Jacob wrestles with a “man”.  This “man” is said to be an angel, but not just any angel, that angel is the guardian angel of Esau.  Remember that to be fair, Hashem gave each one of the seventy nations their own guardian angel.  Jacob wrestles with this angel all night.  At the break of dawn, it is that angel’s turn to sing praises to Hashem and insists on being released.  He blesses Jacob, who then releases him. Since Jacob has defeated Esau’s angel, Esau is now compelled to be gregarious to his brother. So Jacob prevails.  As a result, Jacob becomes “Israel”, he who struggles and a prince/authority.  It is now evident and expected that Jacob, Israel, is the father of a nation, our nation, the twelve tribes. And thus are we now known as “Israelites”. Parashá Vayishlach 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח 6 de diciembre de 2025 / 16 de Kislev de 5786 La parashá Vayishlach es la octava porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo anual judío de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 32:4-36:43 Vayishlach («Él Envió») narra la historia de Jacob y su familia. Jacob lucha con un hombre (comúnmente interpretado como un ángel), recibe el nombre de Israel y se reconcilia con su hermano Esaú. Dina, la hija de Jacob, es violada por un príncipe heveo, y sus hermanos saquean una ciudad en represalia. Raquel muere al dar a luz al hijo menor de Jacob, Benjamín. [1] Año trienal 1 1: 32:4-6 · 3 versículos p. 122 2: 32:7-9 · 3 versículos p. 122 3: 32:10-13 · 4 versículos p. 122-123 4: 32:14-22 · 9 versículos p. 123-124 5: 32:23-30 · 8 versículos p. 124 6: 32:31-33:5 · 8 versículos p. 124-125 7: 33:6-20 · 15 versículos p. 125-127 Maf: 36:40-43 · 4 versículos p. 134 Haftará: Abdías 1:1-21 · 21 versículos p. 135 - 137 Jacob tiene mucho que afrontar. Deja la compañía de Labán, su suegro, para criar a su familia. Sin embargo, le informan que su hermano Esaú vendrá a su encuentro con cuatrocientos hombres. Naturalmente, teme lo peor. Consideremos su manera de lidiar con esta amenaza. Adopta un enfoque triple: ora; divide a sus familias para que, si alguna es atacada, las demás puedan escapar y sobrevivir; y envía regalos a su hermano para apaciguarlo. Pero hay otra estrategia en juego. Mientras duerme, Jacob lucha con un «hombre». Se dice que este «hombre» es un ángel, pero no un ángel cualquiera, sino el ángel guardián de Esaú. Recordemos que, para ser justos, Hashem le dio a cada una de las setenta naciones su propio ángel guardián. Jacob lucha con este ángel durante todo el día. De noche. Al despuntar el alba, le toca el turno al ángel de cantar alabanzas a Hashem e insiste en ser liberado. Bendice a Jacob, quien entonces lo libera. Como Jacob ha vencido al ángel de Esaú, este se ve obligado a mostrarse amigable con su hermano. Así, Jacob prevalece. En consecuencia, Jacob se convierte en «Israel», el que lucha y un príncipe/autoridad. Ahora es evidente y se espera que Jacob, Israel, sea el padre de una nación, nuestra nación, las doce tribus. Y así, ahora somos conocidos como «israelitas».

Parashat Vayetzei 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּצֵא 29 November 2025  / 9 Kislev 5786 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayetzei is the 7th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Vayetzei (“He Went Out”) opens as Jacob dreams about angels going up and down a ladder, and then continues on his journey toward the home of his uncle Laban. During years of indentured servitude, Jacob marries Laban’s daughters Leah and Rachel, bearing children with them and with their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah. [1] Triennial year 1 1: 28:10-12  · 3 p’sukim  p. 106 2: 28:13-17  · 5 p’sukim  p. 106 - 107 3: 28:18-22  · 5 p’sukim  p. 107 4: 29:1-8  · 8 p’sukim  p. 107 - 108 5: 29:9-17  · 9 p’sukim  p. 108 6: 29:18-33  · 16 p’sukim  p. 109 - 110 7: 29:34-30:13  · 15 p’sukim  p. 110 - 111 maf: 32:1-3  · 3 p’sukim  p. 117 Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Hosea 12:13-14:10  · 28 p’sukim   p. 118 - 121 Commentary and Divrei Torah   Sefaria     Rabbi Sacks z”l     Jewish Theological Seminary     OU Torah Jacob is on the run from his brother Esau, who accuses him of stealing the blessings due him as the first born. Let’s remember that those blessings were so important to Jacob that he made sure he got them by first trading Esau for a bowl of lentil stew, then pretending to be him in front of his father Isaac who had bad eyesight. Esau only cared about being the first born, not the responsibility of continuing the legacy of the one, true G-d. We see how Jacob embraces this legacy as when he’s traveling to stay with his Uncle Laban, far away from the wrath and revenge of his brother Esau.  As he stops for the night, he prays and thus institutes the Ma’ariv service.  He has a prophetic dream of angels traveling up and down a ladder to heaven.  Jacob immediately recognizes the holiness of the place and anoints a rock in honor of Hashem. Hashem then comes to him and confirms that he is the rightful heir and will be blessed. Thus we see that the right person got the right heritage.  Let’s consider this legacy.  Consider that Hashem came to Jacob because he, Jacob, was living the heritage as evidenced in his behavior.  Let us emulate Jacob’s actions and embrace the righteousness and desire to live with G-d’s teaching. Parashá Vayetzei 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּצֵא 29 de noviembre de 2025 / 9 de Kislev de 5786 La parashá Vayetzei es la séptima porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo anual judío de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 28:10-32:3 Vayetzei («Salió») comienza con Jacob soñando con ángeles que subían y bajaban por una escalera, y luego continúa con su viaje hacia la casa de su tío Labán. Durante años de servidumbre por contrato, Jacob se casa con Lea y Raquel, hijas de Labán, y tiene hijos con ellas y con sus siervas, Bilha y Zilpa. [1] Año trienal 1 1: 28:10-12 · 3 versículos p. 106 2: 28:13-17 · 5 versículos p. 106 - 107 3: 28:18-22 · 5 versículos p. 107 4: 29:1-8 · 8 versículos p. 107 - 108 5: 29:9-17 · 9 versículos p. 108 6: 29:18-33 · 16 versículos p. 109 - 110 7: 29:34-30:13 · 15 versículos p. 110 - 111 Maf: 32:1-3 · 3 versículos p. 117 Haftará para Ashkenazim: Oseas 12:13-14:10 · 28 versículos p. 118 - 121 Jacob huye de su hermano Esaú, quien lo acusa de robarle las bendiciones que le corresponden como primogénito. Recordemos que esas bendiciones eran tan importantes para Jacob que se aseguró de obtenerlas intercambiando primero a Esaú por un plato de lentejas, y luego haciéndose pasar por él ante su padre Isaac, quien tenía mala vista. A Esaú solo le importaba ser el primogénito, no la responsabilidad de continuar el legado del único y verdadero Dios. Vemos cómo Jacob abraza este legado cuando viaja para hospedarse con su tío Labán, lejos de la ira y la venganza de su hermano Esaú. Al detenerse a pasar la noche, ora e instituye así el servicio de Ma'ariv. Tiene un sueño profético de ángeles que suben y bajan por una escalera al cielo. Jacob reconoce de inmediato la santidad del lugar y unge una roca en honor a Hashem. Hashem entonces se le aparece y le confirma que es el legítimo heredero y que será bendecido. Así pues, vemos que la persona adecuada recibió la herencia adecuada. Reflexionemos sobre este legado. Consideremos que Hashem se manifestó a Jacob porque él, Jacob, vivía de acuerdo con la herencia, como lo demostraba su conducta. Imitemos las acciones de Jacob y abracemos la rectitud y el deseo de vivir conforme a las enseñanzas de Dios.

At ModernRabbiShmuel, I officate at all Jewish Life Cycle Events including traditional and non-traditional, affiliated and non-affiliated, and Jewish and Interfaith. Personalized and meaningful services for lasting, beautiful memories. https://www.modernrabbistephen.com Top of Page Upcoming Events Shabbat Times Services New Blog Order My Book Videos Subscribe Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Erev Sukkot 5786 Mon, Oct 06 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Sukkot I Tue, Oct 07 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Sukkot II Wed, Oct 08 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Friday Evening Shabbat Ma'ariv Services מערב שבת Fri, Oct 10 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Saturday Morning Shabbat Shacharit Services שבת שחרית Sat, Oct 11 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Sukkot Shabbat Chol ha-Moed / סוּכּוֹת שַׁבָּת חוֹל הַמּוֹעֵד Sat, Oct 11 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Children's Religious School Sun, Oct 12 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Shmini Atzeret 2025 / שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת 5786 Tue, Oct 14 Ontario More info RSVP Erev Simchat Torah 2025 / שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה 5786 Tue, Oct 14 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Simchat Torah 2025 / שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה 5786 Wed, Oct 15 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP New Blog NewBlog D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת הַאֲזִינוּ / Parashat Ha’azinu 5786 4 October 2025 / 12 Tishrei 5786 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 24 3 min read Parashat וַיֵּלֶךְ / Vayeilech 5786 27 September 2025 / 5 Tishrei 5786 (Diaspora) Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 15 4 min read D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת נִצָּבִים / Parashat Nitzavim 5785 20 September 2025 / 27 Elul 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 9 3 min read D'var Torah for כִּי־תָבוֹא / Ki Tavo 5785 13 September 2025 / 20 Elul 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Sep 4 3 min read D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת כִּי־תֵצֵא / Parashat Ki Teitzei 5785 6 September 2025 / 13 Elul 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Aug 27 3 min read D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים / Parashat Shoftim 5785 30 August 2025 / 6 Elul 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Aug 19 3 min read Services Services Offered Rabbi Stephen S. Epstein A Modern Conservative Rabb i Baby Naming Bar & Bat Mitzvot Spiritual Counseling Individualized Torah Study Funerals & Memorials Conversions Weddings Videos All Videos All Categories Play Video Play Video 11:01 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Parashat High Holidays 5786 Explaining Yom Kippur; An overview of Torah readings for the High Holidays Play Video Play Video 52:44 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Adult Hebrew II Parashat Haazinu 5786 Reviewing the upcoming Parashat Ha'azinu 5786. Full portion is read for this year. Play Video Play Video 07:10 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Friday Night Sermon 26 September 2025 How ego makes us sin. Play Video Play Video 10:37 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Parashat Ha azinu 5786 (4 October 2025 / 12 Tishrei 5786) Happy New Year!; Give ear and listen to the warnings of forsaking Torah! Play Video Play Video 10:40 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Erev Rosh Hashana Sermon (22 September 2025) Developing Self Esteem for 5786 in order to fulfill yourself for God's purpose Play Video Play Video 55:14 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Adult Hebrew II Nitzavim 5785 and Rosh Hashana 1 Nitzavim is read in its entirety in 5785. Rosh Hashana 1 reading Genesis 21:1-34 Load More Videos Order My Book Subscribe Subscribe Stay up to date Submit Shabbat Times