Search Results

D'var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vaera 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וָאֵרָא 13 January 2024 / 3 Sh'vat 5784 Parashat Vaera is the 14th weekly ToraMinuteh portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35 Vaera (“I Appeared”) opens as God promises to redeem the enslaved Israelites and bring them to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelites go, God sends a series of plagues: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, death of livestock, boils, and hail. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 7:8-13 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 7:14-18 · 5 p’sukim · 3: 7:19-25 · 7 p’sukim · 4: 7:26-29 · 4 p’sukim · 5: 8:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 6: 8:7-11 · 5 p’sukim · 7: 8:12-15 · 4 p’sukim · maf: 8:12-15 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 · 23 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria  OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 232 – 240 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 236 – 244) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 324 – 331 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 318 – 339) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 357 – 362 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 351 – 368) Now the plagues start.  Since Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, refuses to relent and allow Israel to go into the wilderness for a three-day worship, he bears the consequences of not heeding Hashem.  Pharoah had proclaimed that he did not know this “God” about which Moses and Aaron discussed.  Many sages agree that he was sincere in proclaiming ignorance.  Which is perhaps why Hashem gave him many chances (ten in all, the first seven here) as a demonstration of His legitimacy as the One, true God. There is an old saying: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It seems to be with Pharaoh.  Being the one, absolute authority in Egypt, his word was law.  Such was the behavior of all Pharaohs.  Hashem shows him, and his courtiers, that while he might be a powerful human, his authority is limited to earthly endeavors, but the Divine is the real ruler of the Universe. Psychologists tell us that children see black and white.  If they do something wrong, they get punished.  After a number of such occurrences, they come to realize that life is easier when you do right. After puberty, our frontal lobes develop and we start to see gray, that is, right and wrong are concepts that involve respecting others, not just about consequences. Pharaoh’s ego, as a king with unchecked power, was so large that he didn’t concede a power great than him.  He fancied himself a god. His ego was so ingrained that even after nine occurrences that showed him there was indeed a power greater than himself, he could still not relent.  Such is perhaps a lesson in itself.  We people need to understand the divine nature of justice and do our best to act within it.  Life will be better for everyone when we do. Parashat Vaera 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וָאֵרָא 13 de enero de 2024 / 3 Sh'vat 5784 Parashat Vaera es la decimocuarta porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Éxodo 6:2-9:35 Vaera (“Aparecí”) comienza cuando Dios promete redimir a los israelitas esclavizados y llevarlos a la Tierra Prometida. Cuando Faraón se niega repetidamente a dejar ir a los israelitas, Dios envía una serie de plagas: agua convertida en sangre, ranas, piojos, animales salvajes, muerte del ganado, forúnculos y granizo. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 7:8-13 · 6 pesukim · 2: 7:14-18 · 5 pesukim · 3: 7:19-25 · 7 pesukim · 4: 7:26-29 · 4 pesukim · 5: 8:1-6 · 6 pesukim · 6: 8:7-11 · 5 pesukim · 7: 8:12-15 · 4 pesukim · maf: 8:12-15 · 4 pesukim · Haftará: Ezequiel 28:25-29:21 · 23 pesukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 232 – 240 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 236 – 244) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 324 – 331 Año trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 318 – 339) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 357 – 362 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 351 – 368) Ahora comienzan las plagas. Dado que Faraón, el Rey de Egipto, se niega a ceder y permitir que Israel vaya al desierto para una adoración de tres días, él soporta las consecuencias de no prestar atención a Hashem. Faraón había proclamado que no conocía a este "Dios" sobre el cual discutieron Moisés y Aarón. Muchos sabios coinciden en que fue sincero al proclamar su ignorancia. Quizás sea por eso que Hashem le dio muchas oportunidades (diez en total, las primeras siete aquí) como demostración de Su legitimidad como el Dios Único y verdadero. Hay un viejo dicho: “El poder absoluto corrompe absolutamente”. Parece estar con Faraón. Siendo la autoridad única y absoluta en Egipto, su palabra era ley. Tal fue el comportamiento de todos los faraones. Hashem le muestra a él y a sus cortesanos que, si bien puede ser un ser humano poderoso, su autoridad se limita a los esfuerzos terrenales, pero la Divinidad es el verdadero gobernante del Universo. Los psicólogos nos dicen que los niños ven en blanco y negro. Si hacen algo mal, reciben un castigo. Después de una serie de sucesos similares, se dan cuenta de que la vida es más fácil cuando se hace lo correcto. Después de la pubertad, nuestros lóbulos frontales se desarrollan y comenzamos a ver grises, es decir, el bien y el mal son conceptos que implican respetar a los demás, no solo de consecuencias. El ego del faraón, como rey con poder sin control, era tan grande que no concedió un poder mayor que él. Se creía un dios. Su ego estaba tan arraigado que incluso después de nueve sucesos que le demostraron que efectivamente había un poder superior a él mismo, todavía no podía ceder. Tal vez ésta sea una lección en sí misma. Nosotros, las personas, debemos comprender la naturaleza divina de la justicia y hacer todo lo posible para actuar dentro de ella. La vida será mejor para todos cuando lo hagamos.

Kabbalah Thought for this week "In a spiritual context, the notion of offering sacrifices for the purpose of "lighting the candle worthy of being lit" refers not to the sacrificicial slaughter of animals, but to the sacrifice of ego in order to ignite the Light of the soul. Removing [negative] traits is the basis of all spiritual work." Each day, Jews end their prayer service with Aleinu. There is an affirmation afterwards that is especially timely in addressing today's strife: "Do not fear sudden terror, or the destruction of the wicked when it comes (1). Plan a conspiracy and it will ge annulled; speak your piece and it shall not stand, for God is with us (2). Even when you age, I remain unchanged; and even till your ripe old age, I shall endure. I created you and I shall bear you; I shall endure and rescue (3)." These verses express confidence in God's protection and are regarded as auguries of redemption. Proverbs 3:25 Do not fear an evildoer's intention, no matter how dangerous it seems. Isaiah 8:10 Let the enemies of Israel conspire and plan; they will not succeed Isaiah 46:4 God remains the eternal protector of Israel, even though we may have sinned. Announcements -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Shabbat Services -School Calendar This is an overview of upcoming events. Details of each event are below Sunday, 31 December 2023-New Year's Eve Monday, 1 January 2024-New Year's Day Holiday Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6 January 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 7 January 2023-Hebrew School: Welcome Back! Monday, 8 January 2024-Torah Study Tuesday, 9 January 2024-Sofer-On-Site Thursday, 11 January 2024-Board Meeting Friday & Saturday, 12 & 13 January 2024-Shabbat Services Sunday, 14 January 2024-Miller Course (?) Monday, 15 January 2024-Torah Study Thursday, 18 January 2024-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 19 & 20 January 2024-Shabbat Services Sunday, 21 January 2023-In-Person Hebrew School *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I continue to update our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Office Hours for the next few weeks: Going forward, I am planning on conducting Hebrew School from my office and making Sunday an office day to be more available. Sunday, December 31, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (No school. New Year's Eve) Monday, January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day) Friday, January 5, 2024 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, January 7, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Tuesday, January 9, 2024 8:30am - 2:00pm (Sofer-On-Site 9:00am - 12:30pm) Friday, January 12, 2024 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, January 14, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am & Miller Course 11:45am - 12:45pm) Monday, January 15, 2024  9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, January 19, 2024 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (6 January 2024): Parashat Shemot 5784 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, January 8 at 7:30 pm PT Preempted during the Winter Holidays Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Vaera 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וָאֵרָא 13 January 2024 / 3 Sh'vat 5784 Parashat Vaera is the 14th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35 Vaera (“I Appeared”) opens as God promises to redeem the enslaved Israelites and bring them to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelites go, God sends a series of plagues: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, death of livestock, boils, and hail. [1] Triennial year 2: Exodus 7:8-8:15 Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 232 – 240 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 236 – 244) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 324 – 331 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 318 – 339) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 357 – 362 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 351 – 368) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, January 18, 2024 @ 7:30pm What next? We’ll go back to the “what do we study next?” drawing board. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA 🕯️ Candle lighting / הדלקת נרות Friday, January 5⋅4:37 – 4:37pm ✨ Havdalah (50 min) / הבדלה - 50 דקות Saturday, January 6⋅5:37 – 5:37pm Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, January 5, 2024 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, January 6, 2024 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Shemot 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת שְׁמוֹת 6 January 2024 / 25 Tevet 5784 D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Shemot is the 13th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1 Shemot (“Names”) is the first Torah reading in the Book of Exodus. It opens describing the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. Moses is born, placed in a basket on the Nile, and adopted into Pharaoh’s household. He later encounters God at a burning bush and begins his mission of demanding that Pharoah let the Israelites go. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 3:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 3:7-10 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 3:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 3:16-22 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 4:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 6: 4:6-9 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 4:10-17 · 8 p’sukim · maf: 4:14-17 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 · 23 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria  OU Torah  Jewish Theological Seminary  American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 213 – 220 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 206 – 224) Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Sh'vat Saturday, January 6, 2024 Molad Sh'vat: Thu, 45 minutes and 4 chalakim after 8:00 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Sunday, January 7, 2024 Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am No school for Winter recess. See you in the New Year. We will have two sessions: 10:00am - 10:40am Learning Hebrew and Hebrew Reading for more advanced students 10:50am - 11:30am Discussing the weekly Torah parashat and other Bible topics Sofer-On-Site will visit our synagogue to check our Torah Tuesday, 9 January 2024 9:00am Come join us for this educational experience to see just how a Torah gets checked. ✡️ Yom Kippur Katan Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Minor Day of Atonement on the day preceeding Rosh Chodesh Sh'vat Rosh Chodesh Sh’vat 2024 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ שְׁבָט 5784 Start of month of Sh’vat on the Hebrew calendar 🌒 Rosh Chodesh Sh’vat for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Wednesday, 10 January 2024 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, 11 January 2024. Start of month of Sh’vat on the Hebrew calendar. שְׁבָט (transliterated Sh’vat or Shevat) is the 11th month of the Hebrew year, has 30 days, and corresponds to January or February on the Gregorian calendar. רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ, transliterated Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh, is a minor holiday that occurs at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It is marked by the birth of a new moon. Next Miller Course We are planning our next Miller Course to start tentatively on Sunday, 14 January 2024. Stay tuned for more information. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Shemot is the 13th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1 Shemot (“Names”) is the first Torah reading in the Book of Exodus. It opens describing the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. Moses is born, placed in a basket on the Nile, and adopted into Pharaoh’s household. He later encounters God at a burning bush and begins his mission of demanding that Pharoah let the Israelites go. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 3:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 2: 3:7-10 · 4 p’sukim · 3: 3:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 3:16-22 · 7 p’sukim · 5: 4:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 6: 4:6-9 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 4:10-17 · 8 p’sukim · maf: 4:14-17 · 4 p’sukim · Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 · 23 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria  OU Torah  Jewish Theological Seminary  American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 213 – 220 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 206 – 224) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 300 – 311 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 292 – 317) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 326 – 335 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 317 – 341) Our triennial portion focuses on Moshe encountering the burning bush.  We know the story about how Hashem told him to remove his shoes that he is on holy land.  God then assures Moses that he has seen the suffering of His people, “remembers” them and will now charge Moshe with brining them out of bondage into freedom. The Burning Bush has been a symbol to our people since. Israel is a survivor.  We have lived in and left most of the countries of the world, first surviving, then thriving, then being oppressed and persecuted.  We have burned, but never burned up.  We, as the bush, have maintained our identity and survival through the worst persecution even perpetrated on a group of people for an extended period. Perhaps it is because we are the chosen people, having accepted the covenant with Hashem.  Perhaps it is because we have a rich and vibrant culture and history and education as our foundation.  Or perhaps it is simply that we are survivors. Let this be an inspiration to us in these troubling times.  We may get burned, but never burned up. Parashat Shemot 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת שְׁמוֹת 6 de enero de 2024/25 Tevet 5784 D'var Torah en YouTube Parashat Shemot es la decimotercera porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Éxodo 1:1-6:1 Shemot (“Nombres”) es la primera lectura de la Torá en el Libro del Éxodo. Comienza describiendo la esclavitud de los israelitas en Egipto. Moisés nace, es colocado en una canasta junto al Nilo y adoptado en la casa de Faraón. Más tarde se encuentra con Dios en una zarza ardiente y comienza su misión de exigir que el Faraón deje ir a los israelitas. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 3:1-6 · 6 pesukim · 2: 3:7-10 · 4 pesukim · 3: 3:11-15 · 5 pesukim · 4: 3:16-22 · 7 pesukim · 5: 4:1-5 · 5 pesukim · 6: 4:6-9 · 4 pesukim · 7: 4:10-17 · 8 pesukim · maf: 4:14-17 · 4 pesukim · Haftará para Ashkenazim: Isaías 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 · 23 p’sukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 213 – 220 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 206 – 224) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 300 – 311 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 292 – 317) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 326 – 335 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 317 – 341) Nuestra porción trienal se centra en el encuentro de Moshé con la zarza ardiente. Conocemos la historia de cómo Hashem le dijo que se quitara los zapatos porque estaba en tierra santa. Luego Dios le asegura a Moisés que ha visto el sufrimiento de su pueblo, los “recuerda” y ahora encargará a Moshé de sacarlos de la esclavitud y llevarlos a la libertad. Desde entonces, la Zarza Ardiente ha sido un símbolo para nuestro pueblo. Israel es un superviviente. Hemos vivido y abandonado la mayoría de los países del mundo, primero sobreviviendo, luego prosperando y luego siendo oprimidos y perseguidos. Nos hemos quemado, pero nunca nos hemos quemado. Nosotros, como arbusto, hemos mantenido nuestra identidad y supervivencia a través de la peor persecución perpetrada incluso contra un grupo de personas durante un período prolongado. Quizás sea porque somos el pueblo elegido y hemos aceptado el pacto con Hashem. Quizás sea porque tenemos una cultura, una historia y una educación ricas y vibrantes como base. O tal vez sea simplemente que somos supervivientes. Que esto sea una inspiración para nosotros en estos tiempos difíciles. Podemos quemarnos, pero nunca quemarnos.

Kabbalah Thought for this week ""Passion and enthusiasm for spiritual wisdom and growth are easily around when one begins to walkthe spiritual path. However,when the inevitable obstacles suracre to test our commitment and shed ligth on our negative qualities so that we can confront and extract them from our nature, we lose the fire and most of us fail to complete journey. It's much easier to start a new search elsewhere and feel new passion again than it is to confront the dark sideof our nature and complete our journey. The evil inclination will always stand by us and hlp rationalize and justify our quitting and giving up. That is why we must be resolute in our journey." Psalm 94: Psalm for Yom Revi'i, Wednesday, Fourth day of the week, timely for current events Each morning, Jews end their Shacharit, or morning service, with a psalm of the day. It is chosen to correspond with that day of creation, as well as keep track of the days leading up to Shabbat. Considering the brutality that Hamas inflicted against innocent Israeli civilians, and the corresponding denial of those who spew hate against the Jewish nation, this psalm is especially timely in addressing that: Psalm 94 God of retribution, LORD,God of retribution, appear! Rise up, judge of the earth,give the arrogant their deserts! How long shall the wicked, O LORD,how long shall the wicked exult, shall they utter insolent speech,shall all evildoers vaunt themselves? They crush Your people, O LORD,they afflict Your very own; they kill the widow and the stranger;they murder the fatherless, thinking, “The LORD does not see it,the God of Jacob does not pay heed.” Take heed, you most brutish people;fools, when will you get wisdom? Shall He who implants the ear not hear,He who forms the eye not see? Shall He who disciplines nations not punish,He who instructs men in knowledge? The LORD knows the designs of men to be futile. Happy is the man whom You discipline, O LORD,the man You instruct in Your teaching, to give him tranquillity in times of misfortune,until a pit be dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake His people;He will not abandon His very own. Judgment shall again accord with justiceand all the upright shall rally to it. Who will take my part against evil men?Who will stand up for me against wrongdoers? Were not the LORD my help,I should soon dwell in silence. When I think my foot has given way,Your faithfulness, O LORD, supports me. When I am filled with cares,Your assurance soothes my soul. Shall the seat of injustice be Your partner,that frames mischief by statute? They band together to do away with the righteous;they condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD is my haven;my God is my sheltering rock. He will make their evil recoil upon them,annihilate them through their own wickedness;the LORD our God will annihilate them. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD,raise a shout for our rock and deliverer; let us come into His presence with praise;let us raise a shout for Him in song! For the LORD is a great God,the great king of all divine beings. Announcements -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Shabbat Services -School Calendar This is an overview of upcoming events. Details of each event are below Sunday, 24 December 2023-Holiday, no School(?) Monday, 25 December 2023-Christmas Holiday Thursday, 28 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 29 & 30 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 31 December 2023-New Year's Eve Monday, 1 January 2024-New Year's Day Holiday Thursday, 4 January 2024-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6 January 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 7 January 2023-Hebrew School: Welcome Back! Monday, 8 January 2024-Torah Study Thursday, 11 January 2024-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 12 & 13 January 2024-Shabbat Services (TBA) Sunday, January 14?, 2024-Miller Course (?) Monday, 15 January 2024-Sofer-On-Site *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I continue to update our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Office Hours for the next few weeks: Going forward, I am planning on conducting Hebrew School from my office and making Sunday an office day to be more available. Sunday, December 24, 2023 (No school. Holiday weekend.) Monday, December 25, 2023 (Christmas Holiday.) Friday, December 29, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 31, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (No school. New Year's Eve) Monday, January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day) Friday, January 5, 2024 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, January 7, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, January 8, 2024  9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, January 12, 2024 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (30 December 2023): Parashat Vayechi 5784 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, January 8 at 7:30 pm PT Preempted during the Winter Holidays Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Vaera 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וָאֵרָא 13 January 2024 / 3 Sh'vat 5784 Parashat Vaera is the 14th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35 Vaera (“I Appeared”) opens as God promises to redeem the enslaved Israelites and bring them to the Promised Land. When Pharaoh repeatedly refuses to let the Israelites go, God sends a series of plagues: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, wild animals, death of livestock, boils, and hail. [1] Triennial year 2: Exodus 7:8-8:15 Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 232 – 240 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 236 – 244) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 324 – 331 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 318 – 339) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 357 – 362 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 351 – 368) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, December 28, 2023 @ 7:30pm What next? We’ll go back to the “what do we study next?” drawing board. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA 🕯️ Candle lighting / הדלקת נרות Friday, December 29⋅4:31 – 4:31pm ✨ Havdalah (50 min) / הבדלה - 50 דקות Saturday, December 30⋅5:32 – 5:32pm Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, December 29, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, December 30, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Vayechi 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי 30 December 2023 / 18 Tevet 5784 D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayechi is the 12th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Triennial year 2 1: 49:1-4 · 4 p’sukim · 2: 49:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · 3: 49:8-12 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 49:13-15 · 3 p’sukim · 5: 49:16-18 · 3 p’sukim · 6: 49:19-21 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 49:22-26 · 5 p’sukim · maf: 49:22-26 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12 · 12 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria   OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 183 – 187 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 180 – 191) Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Sunday, January 7, 2024 Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am No school for Winter recess. See you in the New Year We will have two sessions: 10:00am - 10:40am Learning Hebrew and Hebrew Reading for more advanced students 10:50am - 11:30am Discussing the weekly Torah parashat and other Bible topics Next Miller Course We are planning our next Miller Course to start tentatively on Sunday, 14 January 2024. Stay tuned for more information. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

Parashat Vayechi 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי 30 December 2023 / 18 Tevet 5784 D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayechi is the 12th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Vayechi (“He Lived”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Genesis. It opens as Jacob prepares for his death, making his son Joseph swear to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah. Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons and his own 12 sons and then dies. Jacob’s sons bury him. The portion ends with Joseph’s death. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 49:1-4 · 4 p’sukim · 2: 49:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · 3: 49:8-12 · 5 p’sukim · 4: 49:13-15 · 3 p’sukim · 5: 49:16-18 · 3 p’sukim · 6: 49:19-21 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 49:22-26 · 5 p’sukim · maf: 49:22-26 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: I Kings 2:1-12 · 12 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria   OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 183 – 187 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 180 – 191) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 274 – 283 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 268 – 289) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 298 – 305 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 293 – 311) In this final sidra of Genesis, Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own and then pronounces blessings on his other sons.  Each blessing is appropriate to that son.  “Levi and Shimon, cursed be their anger” for what they did in Shechem. “Judah is the lion’s whelp, the scepter shall not depart from Judah” for his integrity in trying to save Joseph and then pledging his life for Benjamin’s. For Joseph, “Shaddai blesses you with blessings of Heaven above” for his maturing and rising to prominence in Egypt and saving the world from famine. Are these still pertinent to tribes that have been lost to history?  Or will somehow our new technology in DNA identification reveal the remnants of our ancient brothers and sisters?  Perhaps this latter is how Hashem will bring these lost tribes back to us for the Messianic period. Dr. Hertz makes an interesting point in his commentary about Joseph.  Joseph was a Hebrew who was a stranger in a strange land.  Yet he rose to authority and prominence as the mastermind who saved the ancient world from a famine that would have cause death. During that time, he adopted the look and lifestyle of his Egyptian hosts, as well as a native name, but he and his family privately never lost their faith in the One, True G-d.  How much like today!  Unfortunately, as we are to see, along with that came resentment and oppression. Maybe soon we will break this cycle…. Parashat Vaieji 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי 30 de diciembre de 2023/18 Tevet 5784 D'var Torah en YouTube Parashat Vayeji es la duodécima porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 47:28-50:26 Vayeji (“Él vivió”) es la última porción de la Torá en el Libro del Génesis. Comienza cuando Jacob se prepara para su muerte, haciendo que su hijo José jure enterrarlo en la cueva de Macpela. Jacob bendice a los dos hijos de José y a sus propios 12 hijos y luego muere. Los hijos de Jacob lo entierran. La porción termina con la muerte de José. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 49:1-4 · 4 pesukim · 2: 49:5-7 · 3 pesukim · 3: 49:8-12 · 5 pesukim · 4: 49:13-15 · 3 pesukim · 5: 49:16-18 · 3 pesukim · 6: 49:19-21 · 3 pesukim · 7: 49:22-26 · 5 pesukim · maf: 49:22-26 · 5 pesukim · Haftará: I Reyes 2:1-12 · 12 pesukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 183 – 187 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 180 – 191) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 274 – 283 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 268 – 289) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 298 – 305 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 293 – 311) En esta sidra final del Génesis, Jacob adopta a los dos hijos de José como propios y luego pronuncia bendiciones sobre sus otros hijos. Cada bendición es apropiada para ese hijo. “Leví y Shimón, maldita sea su ira” por lo que hicieron en Siquem. “Judá es cachorro de león, el cetro no se apartará de Judá” por su integridad al tratar de salvar a José y luego prometer su vida por la de Benjamín. Para José, “Shaddai te bendice con las bendiciones del cielo” por su madurez y ascenso a la prominencia en Egipto y por salvar al mundo del hambre. ¿Siguen siendo pertinentes para las tribus que se han perdido en la historia? ¿O de alguna manera nuestra nueva tecnología en la identificación del ADN revelará los restos de nuestros antiguos hermanos y hermanas? Quizás así sea como Hashem nos traerá de regreso a estas tribus perdidas para el período mesiánico. El Dr. Hertz hace un comentario interesante en su comentario sobre José. José era un hebreo que era un extraño en una tierra extraña. Sin embargo, alcanzó autoridad y prominencia como el cerebro que salvó al mundo antiguo de una hambruna que habría causado la muerte. Durante ese tiempo, adoptó la apariencia y el estilo de vida de sus anfitriones egipcios, así como un nombre nativo, pero él y su familia en privado nunca perdieron su fe en el Único y Verdadero Dios. ¡Cuánto como hoy! Desafortunadamente, como veremos, junto con eso vino el resentimiento y la opresión. Quizás pronto rompamos este ciclo….

Kabbalah Thought for this week "Discord and turmoil in our lives can e traced to negative influences and evil forces that dwell in our midst. Our negative behavior creates openings for destructive entities, but teh Light of...our spiritual energy purifies our soul, raises our consciousness and inspires us to eliminate self-destructive impulses that create the cracks and crevices through which dark forces enter our lives." Psalm 94: Psalm for Yom Revi'i, Wednesday, Fourth day of the week, timely for current events Each morning, Jews end their Shacharit, or morning service, with a psalm of the day. It is chosen to correspond with that day of creation, as well as keep track of the days leading up to Shabbat. Considering the brutality that Hamas inflicted against innocent Israeli civilians, and the corresponding denial of those who spew hate against the Jewish nation, this psalm is especially timely in addressing that: Psalm 94 God of retribution, LORD,God of retribution, appear! Rise up, judge of the earth,give the arrogant their deserts! How long shall the wicked, O LORD,how long shall the wicked exult, shall they utter insolent speech,shall all evildoers vaunt themselves? They crush Your people, O LORD,they afflict Your very own; they kill the widow and the stranger;they murder the fatherless, thinking, “The LORD does not see it,the God of Jacob does not pay heed.” Take heed, you most brutish people;fools, when will you get wisdom? Shall He who implants the ear not hear,He who forms the eye not see? Shall He who disciplines nations not punish,He who instructs men in knowledge? The LORD knows the designs of men to be futile. Happy is the man whom You discipline, O LORD,the man You instruct in Your teaching, to give him tranquillity in times of misfortune,until a pit be dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake His people;He will not abandon His very own. Judgment shall again accord with justiceand all the upright shall rally to it. Who will take my part against evil men?Who will stand up for me against wrongdoers? Were not the LORD my help,I should soon dwell in silence. When I think my foot has given way,Your faithfulness, O LORD, supports me. When I am filled with cares,Your assurance soothes my soul. Shall the seat of injustice be Your partner,that frames mischief by statute? They band together to do away with the righteous;they condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD is my haven;my God is my sheltering rock. He will make their evil recoil upon them,annihilate them through their own wickedness;the LORD our God will annihilate them. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD,raise a shout for our rock and deliverer; let us come into His presence with praise;let us raise a shout for Him in song! For the LORD is a great God,the great king of all divine beings. Announcements -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Shabbat Services -School Calendar This is an overview of upcoming events. Details of each event are below Sunday, 17 December 2023-Hebrew School Monday, 18 December 2023-Torah Study Thursday, 21 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 22 & 23 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 24 December 2023-Hebrew School (?) Monday, 25 December 2023-Christmas Holiday Thursday, 28 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 29 & 30 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 31 December 2023-New Year's Eve Monday, 1 January 2024-New Year's Day Holiday Thursday, 4 January 2024-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 5 & 6 January 2023-Shabbat Services (TBA), January, 2024-Miller Course Monday, 15 January 2024-Sofer-On-Site *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I continue to update our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Office Hours for the next few weeks: Going forward, I am planning on conducting Hebrew School from my office and making Sunday an office day to be more available. Sunday, December 17, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, December 18, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, December 22, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 24, 2023 (No school. Holiday weekend.) Monday, December 25, 2023 (Christmas Holiday.) Friday, December 29, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 31, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (No school. New Year's Eve) Monday, January 1, 2024 (New Year's Day) Friday, December 22, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (23 December 2023): Parashat Vayigash 5784 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, December 18 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Vayigash 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ 23 December 2023 / 11 Tevet 5784 D'var Torah on YouTube D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayigash is the 11th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Vayigash (“He Approached”) opens as Judah pleads with Joseph not to keep Benjamin as a prisoner. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, crying and kissing them. The brothers bring Jacob from Canaan to Egypt, and Jacob and his children settle in Goshen. The portion ends as Joseph buys most of Egypt’s land in exchange for food. [1] Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria   OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 172 – 174 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 169 – 177) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 250 – 261 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 256 – 267) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 279 – 282 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 274 – 289) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, December 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm What next? We’ll go back to the “what do we study next?” drawing board. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA 🕯️ Candle lighting / הדלקת נרות Friday, December 22⋅4:27 – 4:27pm ✨ Havdalah (50 min) / הבדלה - 50 דקות Saturday, December 23⋅5:27 – 5:27pm Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, December 22, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Vayigash 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ 23 December 2023 / 11 Tevet 5784 D’var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayigash is the 11th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Vayigash (“He Approached”) opens as Judah pleads with Joseph not to keep Benjamin as a prisoner. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, crying and kissing them. The brothers bring Jacob from Canaan to Egypt, and Jacob and his children settle in Goshen. The portion ends as Joseph buys most of Egypt’s land in exchange for food. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 45:28-46:4 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 46:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · 3: 46:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · 4: 46:12-15 · 4 p’sukim · 5: 46:16-18 · 3 p’sukim · 6: 46:19-22 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 46:23-27 · 5 p’sukim · maf: 46:23-27 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28 · 14 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah   Sefaria   OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 172 – 174 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 169 – 177) Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Sunday, January 7, 2023 Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am No school for Winter recess. See you in the New Year We will have two sessions: 10:00am - 10:40am Learning Hebrew and Hebrew Reading for more advanced students 10:50am - 11:30am Discussing the weekly Torah parashat and other Bible topics Next Miller Course We are planning our next Miller Course to start tentatively in January 2024. Stay tuned for more information. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

D'var Torah on YouTube Parashat Vayigash 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ 23 December 2023 / 11 Tevet 5784 Parashat Vayigash is the 11th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Vayigash (“He Approached”) opens as Judah pleads with Joseph not to keep Benjamin as a prisoner. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, crying and kissing them. The brothers bring Jacob from Canaan to Egypt, and Jacob and his children settle in Goshen. The portion ends as Joseph buys most of Egypt’s land in exchange for food. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 45:28-46:4 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 46:5-7 · 3 p’sukim · 3: 46:8-11 · 4 p’sukim · 4: 46:12-15 · 4 p’sukim · 5: 46:16-18 · 3 p’sukim · 6: 46:19-22 · 4 p’sukim · 7: 46:23-27 · 5 p’sukim · maf: 46:23-27 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28 · 14 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah   Sefaria   OU Torah   Jewish Theological Seminary   American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 172 – 174 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 169 – 177) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 250 – 261 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 256 – 267) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 279 – 282 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 274 – 289) This is the climax to Joseph’s adventures in Egypt and his rise to power from a lowly houseboy to the second-in-command to the King of Egypt.  It is also the reckoning with his brothers. Joseph had matured and come to appreciate his gifts of prophecy and wisdom.  This is not only evident in his acumen of managing the economy and food supply of Egypt, but also his affirmation that it was truly Hashem who arranged the event that led to  his going to Egypt to set a path for his family to come there too and enjoy prosperity. In our triennial portion, we get a census of Jacob and his family immigrating to Egypt.  They are received by Pharaoh as VIPs, and Jacob blesses Pharaoh.  Some say that blessing ended the famine after only two years. There are places in the Torah where we get a census of Israel.  Some say this is to legitimize our history, that it’s not just fiction and here is an accounting of our ancestors.  Perhaps it is also to honor those that came before us and led the way to modern Judaism, a religion that preaches humanity and humanism.  We honor their memories by practicing our religion. Parashat Vayigash 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ 23 de diciembre de 2023/11 Tevet 5784 Parashat Vayigash es la undécima porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 44:18-47:27 Vayigash (“Se acercó”) comienza cuando Judá le ruega a José que no mantenga prisionero a Benjamín. José revela su verdadera identidad a sus hermanos, llorando y besándolos. Los hermanos llevan a Jacob de Canaán a Egipto, y Jacob y sus hijos se establecen en Gosén. La porción termina cuando José compra la mayor parte de la tierra de Egipto a cambio de comida. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 45:28-46:4 · 5 pesukim · 2: 46:5-7 · 3 pesukim · 3: 46:8-11 · 4 pesukim · 4: 46:12-15 · 4 pesukim · 5: 46:16-18 · 3 pesukim · 6: 46:19-22 · 4 pesukim · 7: 46:23-27 · 5 pesukim · maf: 46:23-27 · 5 pesukim · Haftará: Ezequiel 37:15-28 · 14 p’sukim Comentario y Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 172 – 174 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 169 – 177) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 250 – 261 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 256 – 267) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 279 – 282 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 274 – 289) Este es el clímax de las aventuras de José en Egipto y su ascenso al poder desde un humilde criado hasta el segundo al mando del rey de Egipto. También es el ajuste de cuentas con sus hermanos. José había madurado y llegado a apreciar sus dones de profecía y sabiduría. Esto no sólo es evidente en su perspicacia para administrar la economía y el suministro de alimentos de Egipto, sino también en su afirmación de que fue verdaderamente Hashem quien organizó el evento que lo llevó a ir a Egipto para establecer el camino para que su familia viniera allí también y disfrutar de la prosperidad. En nuestra porción trienal, obtenemos un censo de Jacob y su familia que emigraron a Egipto. Son recibidos por el faraón como personalidades importantes y Jacob bendice al faraón. Algunos dicen que esa bendición acabó con la hambruna después de sólo dos años. Hay lugares en la Torá donde obtenemos un censo de Israel. Algunos dicen que esto es para legitimar nuestra historia, que no es sólo ficción y que aquí hay un relato de nuestros antepasados. Quizás también sea para honrar a quienes nos precedieron y abrieron el camino hacia el judaísmo moderno, una religión que predica la humanidad y el humanismo. Honramos sus recuerdos practicando nuestra religión.

Kabbalah Thought for this week "The ego is like a leg iron that anchors us to this physical dimention and its influences. Humility is a key trait that can unlock the shackles." Psalm 94: Psalm for Yom Revi'i, Wednesday, Fourth day of the week, timely for current events Each morning, Jews end their Shacharit, or morning service, with a psalm of the day. It is chosen to correspond with that day of creation, as well as keep track of the days leading up to Shabbat. Considering the brutality that Hamas inflicted against innocent Israeli civilians, and the corresponding denial of those who spew hate against the Jewish nation, this psalm is especially timely in addressing that: Psalm 94 God of retribution, LORD,God of retribution, appear! Rise up, judge of the earth,give the arrogant their deserts! How long shall the wicked, O LORD,how long shall the wicked exult, shall they utter insolent speech,shall all evildoers vaunt themselves? They crush Your people, O LORD,they afflict Your very own; they kill the widow and the stranger;they murder the fatherless, thinking, “The LORD does not see it,the God of Jacob does not pay heed.” Take heed, you most brutish people;fools, when will you get wisdom? Shall He who implants the ear not hear,He who forms the eye not see? Shall He who disciplines nations not punish,He who instructs men in knowledge? The LORD knows the designs of men to be futile. Happy is the man whom You discipline, O LORD,the man You instruct in Your teaching, to give him tranquillity in times of misfortune,until a pit be dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake His people;He will not abandon His very own. Judgment shall again accord with justiceand all the upright shall rally to it. Who will take my part against evil men?Who will stand up for me against wrongdoers? Were not the LORD my help,I should soon dwell in silence. When I think my foot has given way,Your faithfulness, O LORD, supports me. When I am filled with cares,Your assurance soothes my soul. Shall the seat of injustice be Your partner,that frames mischief by statute? They band together to do away with the righteous;they condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD is my haven;my God is my sheltering rock. He will make their evil recoil upon them,annihilate them through their own wickedness;the LORD our God will annihilate them. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD,raise a shout for our rock and deliverer; let us come into His presence with praise;let us raise a shout for Him in song! For the LORD is a great God,the great king of all divine beings. Announcements -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Shabbat Services -School Calendar This is an overview of upcoming events. Details of each event are below Sunday, 10 December 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 10 December 2023-General Congregation Meeting Monday, 11 December 2023-Torah Study Wednesday, 13 December 2023-Rosh Chodesh Tevet 2023 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת 5784 Thursday, 14 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 15 & 16 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 17 December 2023-Hebrew School Monday, 18 December 2023-Torah Study Thursday, 21 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 22 & 23 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 24 December 2023-Hebrew School (?) Monday, 25 December 2023-Christmas Holiday Thursday, 28 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 29 & 30 December 2023-Shabbat Services (TBA), January, 2024-Miller Course Monday, 15 January 2024-Sofer-On-Site *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I continue to update our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Office Hours for the next few weeks: Going forward, I am planning on conducting Hebrew School from my office and making Sunday an office day to be more available. Thursday, 7 December 2023 - Friday, 15 December 2023 Chanukah 2023 / חֲנוּכָּה 5784 Sunday, December 11, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, December 12, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, December 15, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 17, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, December 18, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, December 22, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 24, 2023 (No school. Holiday weekend.) Monday, December 25, 2023 (Holiday.) Friday, December 29, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (16 December 2023): Parashat Miketz 5784 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Chanukah 2023 / חֲנוּכָּה 5784 Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication 🕎 Chanukah for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Thursday, 7 December 2023 and ends at nightfall on Friday, 15 December 2023. Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. Chanukah Day 3 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ג׳ Sunday, 10 December 2023 / 27 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:24-35 1: Numbers 7:24-26 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:27-29 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:30-35 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 4 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ד׳ Monday, 11 December 2023 / 28 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:30-41 1: Numbers 7:30-32 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:33-35 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:36-41 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 5 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ה׳ Tuesday, 12 December 2023 / 29 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:36-47 1: Numbers 7:36-38 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:39-41 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:42-47 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 6 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ו׳ Wednesday, 13 December 2023 / 1 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 28:1-15, 7:42-47 1: Numbers 28:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 28:6-10 · 5 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 28:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · 4: Numbers 7:42-47 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 7 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ז׳ Thursday, 14 December 2023 / 2 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:48-59 1: Numbers 7:48-50 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:51-53 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:54-59 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 8 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ח׳ Friday, 15 December 2023 / 3 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:54-8:4 1: Numbers 7:54-56 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:57-59 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:60-8:4 · 34 p’sukim · December 10th, 2023 12:30 p.m. Annual congregational meeting. There will be a bagels/lox lunch provided. 10 de diciembre de 2023 12:30 p.m. Reunión congregacional anual. Se proporcionará un almuerzo de bagels/salmón ahumado. Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, December 11 at 7:30 pm PT Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Miketz 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ 16 December 2023 / 4 Tevet 5784 D'var Torah on YouTube Parashat Miketz is the 10th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Miketz (“After”) follows Joseph as he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and rises to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph accuses them of spying. He insists that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, and later plants a goblet in Benjamin’s bag. [1] Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 158 – 163 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 155 – 166) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 230 – 243 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 222 – 249) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 257 – 265 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 250 – 270) Rosh Chodesh Tevet 2023 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת 5784 Start of month of Tevet on the Hebrew calendar 🌒 Rosh Chodesh Tevet for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, 13 December 2023. Start of month of Tevet on the Hebrew calendar. Tevet (טֵבֵת) is the 10th month of the Hebrew year, has 29 days, and corresponds to December or January on the Gregorian calendar. רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ, transliterated Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh, is a minor holiday that occurs at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It is marked by the birth of a new moon. Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, December 14, 2023 @ 7:30pm Since there will NOT be a meeting of the Temple Sholom Board of Directors next week (because there’s a congregational meeting this coming Sunday the 10th at 12:30), Sandy and I thought, there’s no longer a reason not to hold class. So we will meet on Zoom next Thursday, December 14, 7:30 PM. We will be continuing with our study of the Biblical Book of Job. We'll send the Zoom link next week, closer to the class time. In our study of Job, we have now read the prologue, Job’s lament, and the exchange between Job and one of his “helpful” friends. What next? First, we will look at a few more brief selections from the middle of the book of Job, helping to set the scene for the famous climax in which God answers Job from out of the whirlwind. (See email for two-page PDF file of those brief selections from chapters 13, 27, and 31 of Job). Then we will go to the last five chapters of the Book, God’s answer to Job, Job’s replies to God, and, finally, to the epilogue, that brings this drama about human suffering and about our relationship to God, to its close. I attach a PDF file of all of those five concluding chapters. We will not read them all together; we will study together by reading a (not-yet-finally-chosen) selection of highlights. Feel free to read any or all of these five concluding chapters, but, as usual, reading ahead is NOT required. We’ll look at the text together online. My guess is that we’ll need probably two, or possibly even three, more classes to get through the chosen material, but we’ll see. And then we’ll go back to the “what do we study next?” drawing board. Judy and Sandy thank everybody who has attended for insightful contributions so far to the discussions of this challenging but fascinating topic. Hope to see you on line on the 14th. And Happy Hanukkah to all. Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA 🕯️ Candle lighting / הדלקת נרות Friday, December 15⋅4:24 – 4:24pm ✨ Havdalah (50 min) / הבדלה - 50 דקות Saturday, December 16⋅5:24 – 5:24pm Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times Upcoming Services Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, December 15, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, December 16, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Miketz 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ 16 December 2023 / 4 Tevet 5784 Parashat Miketz is the 10th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Triennial year 2 1: 41:53-57 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 42:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 3: 42:6-18 · 13 p’sukim · 4: 42:19-28 · 10 p’sukim · 5: 42:29-38 · 10 p’sukim · 6: 43:1-7 · 7 p’sukim · 7: 43:8-15 · 8 p’sukim · maf: 43:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: I Kings 3:15-4:1 · 15 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 158 – 163 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 155 – 166) Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Sunday, December 17, 2023 Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am We will have two sessions: 10:00am - 10:40am Learning Hebrew and Hebrew Reading for more advanced students 10:50am - 11:30am Discussing the weekly Torah parashat and other Bible topics Next Miller Course We are planning our next Miller Course to start tentatively in January 2024. Stay tuned for more information. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

D'var Torah on YouTube Parashat Miketz 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ 16 December 2023 / 4 Tevet 5784 Parashat Miketz is the 10th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Miketz (“After”) follows Joseph as he interprets Pharaoh's dreams and rises to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph accuses them of spying. He insists that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, and later plants a goblet in Benjamin’s bag. [1] Triennial year 2 1: 41:53-57 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 42:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 3: 42:6-18 · 13 p’sukim · 4: 42:19-28 · 10 p’sukim · 5: 42:29-38 · 10 p’sukim · 6: 43:1-7 · 7 p’sukim · 7: 43:8-15 · 8 p’sukim · maf: 43:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · Haftarah: I Kings 3:15-4:1 · 15 p’sukim Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 158 – 163 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 155 – 166) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 230 – 243 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 222 – 249) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 257 – 265 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 250 – 270) It is interesting how things happen in life. Many, if not most, if not all, of us have faced challenging situations in life in which we asked “Why is this happening?”. Joseph probably asked the same question when he was sitting in the pit that his brothers threw him in, wanting, in their jealousy to do away with him. It is now thirty years later. Joseph had lived a life of leisure and privilege for his first two years in Egypt as the chief of the Grand Vizier of Egypt’s household. He is then falsely accused by the vizier’s wife of attacking her and imprisoned for twelve years. His devotion to Hashem and his ability to correctly interpret dreams gets him noticed by Pharaoh himself to interpret the latter’s dreams that were beyond the understanding of his magician’s and wise men. His correct forecasting of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine earns him the position of Viceroy or “Abrech”, second in rulership only after Pharaoh in charge of storing food in preparation for the coming famine. All these events now come together as Joseph’s brothers now come to Egypt to procure food for Jacob and the rest of the family. Joseph has matured and dons the raiment of Egyptian royalty, and speaks Egyptian, so the brothers do not recognize him. Joseph now has an opportunity for retribution. Rather, he questions his brothers to see how penitent they are, and indeed, he is not disappointed. Whereas in the previous portion, we see how Judah redeemed himself in acknowledging having fathered his widowed daughter-in-law’s sons. We now see that the brothers regret having mistreated their younger brother, namely Joseph. Our ancestors, the patriarchs of their respective tribes, have truly developed remorse and now, teshuva. Let their humility be an inspiration to the rest of us. Parashá Miketz 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ 16 de diciembre de 2023 / 4 Tevet 5784 Parashat Miketz es la décima porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 41:1-44:17 Miketz (“Después”) sigue a José mientras interpreta los sueños del faraón y asciende para convertirse en el segundo al mando del faraón. Cuando los hermanos de José llegan a Egipto en busca de comida durante una hambruna, José los acusa de espiar. Insiste en que regresen con su hermano menor, Benjamín, y luego coloca una copa en el bolso de Benjamín. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 41:53-57 · 5 pesukim · 2: 42:1-5 · 5 pesukim · 3: 42:6-18 · 13 pesukim · 4: 42:19-28 · 10 pesukim · 5: 42:29-38 · 10 pesukim · 6: 43:1-7 · 7 pesukim · 7: 43:8-15 · 8 pesukim · maf: 43:11-15 · 5 pesukim · Haftará: I Reyes 3:15-4:1 · 15 p’sukim Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 158 – 163 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 155 – 166) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 230 – 243 Año trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 222 – 249) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 257 – 265 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 250 – 270) Es interesante cómo suceden las cosas en la vida. Muchos, si no la mayoría, si no todos, de nosotros hemos enfrentado situaciones desafiantes en la vida en las que nos preguntamos “¿Por qué sucede esto?”. José probablemente hizo la misma pregunta cuando estaba sentado en el hoyo en el que sus hermanos lo arrojaron, queriendo, en sus celos, acabar con él. Ahora han pasado treinta años. José había vivido una vida de ocio y privilegios durante sus primeros dos años en Egipto como jefe de la casa del Gran Visir de Egipto. Luego, la esposa del visir lo acusa falsamente de atacarla y lo encarcelan durante doce años. Su devoción a Hashem y su capacidad para interpretar correctamente los sueños hacen que el propio Faraón se dé cuenta de que interpreta los sueños de este último que estaban más allá de la comprensión de sus magos y sabios. Su pronóstico correcto de siete años de abundancia seguidos de siete años de hambruna le otorga la posición de virrey o “Abrech”, segundo en gobierno sólo después del faraón, encargado de almacenar alimentos en preparación para la hambruna venidera. Todos estos eventos ahora se juntan cuando los hermanos de José vienen a Egipto para procurar comida para Jacob y el resto de la familia. José ha madurado y viste las vestiduras de la realeza egipcia y habla egipcio, por lo que los hermanos no lo reconocen. Joseph ahora tiene la oportunidad de vengarse. Más bien, interroga a sus hermanos para ver cuán arrepentidos están y, de hecho, no se siente decepcionado. Mientras que en la porción anterior vemos cómo Judá se redimió al reconocer haber engendrado a los hijos de su nuera viuda. Ahora vemos que los hermanos se arrepienten de haber maltratado a su hermano menor, José. Nuestros antepasados, los patriarcas de sus respectivas tribus, realmente desarrollaron remordimiento y ahora teshuvá. Que su humildad sea una inspiración para el resto de nosotros.

https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/bereshit-genesis-1-1-a-valid-response-to-terror/ THE BLOGS Albert Wachtel The very beginning of the Torah, Bereshit (Genesis 1.1), offers a reasoned alternative to the all-powerful, all-seeing, and merciful divinity conventionally worshipped in this mangled world. The Hamas murders, woundings, tortures, rapes and abductions of over twelve hundred Israelis and Israel’s necessary but widely destructive response are the latest horrors of biblical proportion that Jews face. The biblical text introduces what the late Roman era Mishnah calls “Tikun Olam”, the obligation to repair this damaged world. Bereshit brilliantly suggests how, faced with this latest horror, humans should proceed. With so many targeted Jews dying, maimed or kidnapped – what President Isaac Herzog called the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust – and the unintended loss of innocent Arabs in Israel’s justified counter offensive, the Almighty of later sedraim makes little sense. The reasoning of rabbis in the Talmud to explain why that God allows evil to exist is too tortured to convince. The good God of limited ability, characterized in Bereshit as Ruach (Breath/Spirit), works to improve its imperfectly created universe and last of all creates imperfect humanity, also tasked with improving things. The imperfect physical universe improved by that spiritual being anticipates current physical cosmology in which an imperfect universe is thought to begin with a “singularity,” a big bang, in a non-realm called “not anything,” neither time nor empty space. That is what Bereshit calls “the beginning”. When Ruach Elokim brings Earth to order, that divinity creates life, starting with plants and animals in the sea, a sort of Darwinian sequence, with the last creature being “Man”, a word the proto-scientific author finds unacceptable because he wants men and women to be recognized as equal. He therefore follows Man with “Man and Woman, He created him. Man and Woman, He created them,” ending not with the masculine him but with the inclusive them. We know well that Man and Woman are an imperfect creation, including excellent, decent and indecent people; the good, mediocre and evil. Israel’s attack on Hamas in response to its evil terrorist rampage is a violent beginning of Tikun Olam. derived in part from that initial biblical work to make things better. When Hamas is eliminated, Israel must undertake to improve the lives of Palestinians, in Israel ,Gaza and the West Bank. The worship of a singular benign divinity is Israel’s gift to humanity. Let the appreciation of that benign Spirit among believers, non-believers and skeptics begin again as the decent among us work to eliminate evil and improve the world. It is often the case that out of eliminated horrors decent results emerge. As I suggested in an earlier post, a State of Palestine, carved out of the West Bank and including Gaza, for which the Hebrew word, characterizing the city after which the territory is named is Azza, “strong city”. We can relate the creation of that cordial Palestinian state to a similar sounding word, Asa, healer, after the fifth King of the House of David. Peace, healing and mutual help between Israel and its Palestinian neighbor would be a splendid conclusion to this horrific but necessary war. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Albert Wachtel , a PROFESSOR EMERITUS at Pitzer College, one of the Claremont Colleges in Southern California, writes essays on politics, social and literary situations and short stories, often concerning Jews and Israel. His ongoing lectures, short and long are available at YouTube: ProfessorWachtel

Kabbalah Thought for this week "In our material existence, the differences between good and evil, and truth and falsehood, are often blurred. This makes our spiritual efforts very challenging, and thus very rewarding also. The power of discernment is instilled in our consciousness, so that our choices in life keep us secure in our spiritual path.." Psalm 94: Psalm for Yom Revi'i, Wednesday, Fourth day of the week, timely for current events Each morning, Jews end their Shacharit, or morning service, with a psalm of the day. It is chosen to correspond with that day of creation, as well as keep track of the days leading up to Shabbat. Considering the brutality that Hamas inflicted against innocent Israeli civilians, and the corresponding denial of those who spew hate against the Jewish nation, this psalm is especially timely in addressing that: Psalm 94 God of retribution, LORD,God of retribution, appear! Rise up, judge of the earth,give the arrogant their deserts! How long shall the wicked, O LORD,how long shall the wicked exult, shall they utter insolent speech,shall all evildoers vaunt themselves? They crush Your people, O LORD,they afflict Your very own; they kill the widow and the stranger;they murder the fatherless, thinking, “The LORD does not see it,the God of Jacob does not pay heed.” Take heed, you most brutish people;fools, when will you get wisdom? Shall He who implants the ear not hear,He who forms the eye not see? Shall He who disciplines nations not punish,He who instructs men in knowledge? The LORD knows the designs of men to be futile. Happy is the man whom You discipline, O LORD,the man You instruct in Your teaching, to give him tranquillity in times of misfortune,until a pit be dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not forsake His people;He will not abandon His very own. Judgment shall again accord with justiceand all the upright shall rally to it. Who will take my part against evil men?Who will stand up for me against wrongdoers? Were not the LORD my help,I should soon dwell in silence. When I think my foot has given way,Your faithfulness, O LORD, supports me. When I am filled with cares,Your assurance soothes my soul. Shall the seat of injustice be Your partner,that frames mischief by statute? They band together to do away with the righteous;they condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD is my haven;my God is my sheltering rock. He will make their evil recoil upon them,annihilate them through their own wickedness;the LORD our God will annihilate them. Psalm 95 Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD,raise a shout for our rock and deliverer; let us come into His presence with praise;let us raise a shout for Him in song! For the LORD is a great God,the great king of all divine beings. Announcements -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute -Events -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Shabbat Services -School Calendar This is an overview of upcoming events. Details of each event are below Sunday, 3 December 2023-In-Person Hebrew School Monday, 4 December 2023-Torah Study Thursday, 7 December 2023-(Evening) Hanukkah, First Candle Thursday Evening, 7 December - Friday Evening, 15 December- Hanukkah Thursday, 7 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 8 & 9 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 10 December 2023-Hebrew School Sunday, 10 December 2023-General Congregation Meeting Monday, 11 December 2023-Torah Study Wednesday, 13 December 2023-Rosh Chodesh Tevet 2023 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת 5784 Thursday, 14 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 15 & 16 December 2023-Shabbat Services Sunday, 17 December 2023-Hebrew School Monday, 18 December 2023-Torah Study Thursday, 21 December 2023-Judaic Studies Friday & Saturday, 22 &23 December 2023-Shabbat Services *For your information, I have included below my schedule, including office hours for the next two weeks and specific classes in which I am involved. **For your convenience and information, Zoom links will be provided in separate emails for security purposes. ***I continue to update our Mi Sheberach מי שברך list for those in need of healing. For your convenience, I am attaching this revised list to this email that only goes to members of Temple Sholom of Ontario. Thank you. Office Hours for the next few weeks: Going forward, I am planning on conducting Hebrew School from my office and making Sunday an office day to be more available. Sunday, December 3, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (In -Person Hebrew School 10:00am - 12:00pm) Monday, December 4, 2023 9:30am - 1:30pm Friday, December 8, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Hanukkah Party @ 6:15pm followed by Hanukkah-themed musical Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 11, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, December 12, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, December 15, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) Sunday, December 17, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm (Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am) Monday, December 18, 2023 9:00am - 2:00pm Friday, December 22, 2023 2:00pm - 7:30pm (Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv @ 7:30pm) (Subject to change. Please call for appointments) This week's 10-Minute Torah (9 December 2023): Parashat Vayeshev 5784 10-Minute Torah on YouTube Gift Shop Extravaganza! Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10am - 2pm Adult Torah Study Class Next Session: Monday, December 11 at 7:30 pm PT December 4 probably preempted due to possible Jury Duty Zoom Links sent in separate email Monday morning. Please reply if you do not receive them. Parashat Vayeshev 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 9 December 2023 / 26 Kislev 5784 D'var 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; Numbers 7:18-23 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] Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 145 – 147 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 141 – 151) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 208 – 213 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 198 – 221) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp.233 – 237 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 226 – 245) Judaic Studies Next session: Thursday, December 21, 2023 @ 7:30pm We won’t be meeting on December 7 since it’s the first night of Hanukkah, and not meeting on the 14th because that’s the Board. So we will resume on Thursday December 21. Moving forward with the Book of Job, with selections from several chapters in the middle, looking forward to the closing chapters, those where Hashem speaks to Job out of the whirlwind and the closing epilogue, and the final discussion about what it all means. Links will be available but much closer to December 21. Chanukah 2023 / חֲנוּכָּה 5784 Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication 🕎 Chanukah for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Thursday, 7 December 2023 and ends at nightfall on Friday, 15 December 2023. Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲנֻכָּה, usually spelled חנוכה pronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. Chanukah Day 1 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם א׳ Friday, 8 December 2023 / 25 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:1-17 1: Numbers 7:1-11 · 11 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:12-14 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:15-17 · 3 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ב׳ (בְּשַׁבָּת) Saturday, 9 December 2023 / 26 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Parashat Vayeshev · Genesis 37:1-40:23; Numbers 7:18-23 1: Genesis 37:1-11 · 11 p’sukim · 2: Genesis 37:12-22 · 11 p’sukim · 3: Genesis 37:23-36 · 14 p’sukim · 4: Genesis 38:1-30 · 30 p’sukim · 5: Genesis 39:1-6 · 6 p’sukim · 6: Genesis 39:7-23 · 17 p’sukim · 7: Genesis 40:1-23 · 23 p’sukim · maf*: Numbers 7:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · *Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 · 21 p’sukim Chanukah Day 3 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ג׳ Sunday, 10 December 2023 / 27 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:24-35 1: Numbers 7:24-26 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:27-29 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:30-35 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 4 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ד׳ Monday, 11 December 2023 / 28 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:30-41 1: Numbers 7:30-32 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:33-35 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:36-41 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 5 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ה׳ Tuesday, 12 December 2023 / 29 Kislev 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:36-47 1: Numbers 7:36-38 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:39-41 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:42-47 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 6 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ו׳ Wednesday, 13 December 2023 / 1 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 28:1-15, 7:42-47 1: Numbers 28:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 28:6-10 · 5 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 28:11-15 · 5 p’sukim · 4: Numbers 7:42-47 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 7 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ז׳ Thursday, 14 December 2023 / 2 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:48-59 1: Numbers 7:48-50 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:51-53 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:54-59 · 6 p’sukim · Chanukah Day 8 / חֲנוּכָּה יוֹם ח׳ Friday, 15 December 2023 / 3 Tevet 5784 Torah Portion: Numbers 7:54-8:4 1: Numbers 7:54-56 · 3 p’sukim · 2: Numbers 7:57-59 · 3 p’sukim · 3: Numbers 7:60-8:4 · 34 p’sukim · Shabbat Times for Ontario, California, USA 🕯️ Candle lighting / הדלקת נרות Friday, December 8⋅4:23 – 4:23pm 🕎2️⃣ Chanukah: 2 Candles Friday, December 8⋅4:23 – 4:23pm ✨ Havdalah (50 min) / הבדלה - 50 דקות Saturday, December 9⋅5:22 – 5:22pm 🕎3️⃣ Chanukah: 3 Candles Saturday, December 9⋅5:22 – 5:22pm Powered by Hebcal Shabbat Times Hanukkah Party Friday, December 8 @ 6:15pm - 7:30pm Followed by Hanukkah-Themed Shabbat Service 7:30pm - 8:30pm Upcoming Services Hanukkah-themed Musical Shabbat Ma'ariv Service Friday, December 8, 2023 @ 7:30 pm Shabbat Shachrit Service Saturday, December 9, 2023 @ 9:30 am Zoom Links sent in separate email Friday afternoon. Please reply if you do not receive them. We are now incorporating guitar accompaniment with our Friday Night Shabbat Ma'ariv Parashat Vayeshev 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 9 December 2023 / 26 Kislev 5784 Parashat Vayeshev is the 9th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1-40:23; Numbers 7:18-23 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 2 1: 38:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 38:6-11 · 6 p’sukim · 3: 38:12-14 · 3 p’sukim · 4: 38:15-19 · 5 p’sukim · 5: 38:20-23 · 4 p’sukim · 6: 38:24-26 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 38:27-30 · 4 p’sukim · maf*: Numbers 7:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · *Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) Haftarah*: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 · 21 p’sukim *Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 145 – 147 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 141 – 151) Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Tevet Saturday, December 9 Molad Tevet: Tue, 1 minutes and 3 chalakim after 20:00 Hebrew School at Temple Sholom of Ontario Sunday, December 10, 2023 Hebrew School 10:00am - 11:30am Join us at the synagogue for our monthly live learning. There will be music and singing, and activities for your children. We will also meet with the adults for a special in-preson, on-site learning. December 10th, 2023 12:30 p.m. Annual congregational meeting. There will be a bagels/lox lunch provided. 10 de diciembre de 2023 12:30 p.m. Reunión congregacional anual. Se proporcionará un almuerzo de bagels/salmón ahumado. Rosh Chodesh Tevet 2023 / רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ טֵבֵת 5784 Start of month of Tevet on the Hebrew calendar 🌒 Rosh Chodesh Tevet for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, 13 December 2023. Start of month of Tevet on the Hebrew calendar. Tevet (טֵבֵת) is the 10th month of the Hebrew year, has 29 days, and corresponds to December or January on the Gregorian calendar. רֹאשׁ חוֹדֶשׁ, transliterated Rosh Chodesh or Rosh Hodesh, is a minor holiday that occurs at the beginning of every month in the Hebrew calendar. It is marked by the birth of a new moon. Next Miller Course We are planning our next Miller Course to start tentatively in January 2024. Stay tuned for more information. *The titles in blue and underlined are "hyperlinks". If you click on any of those, it will lead to that site/URL. The hyperlink gives a descriptive title with the actual link embedded in that title. Anyone who is concerned about clicking a link or hyperlink can access any of these resources by going to my website, www.modernrabbistephen.com. You can find them in the "Blog" and "Videos" sections, as well as the "Instagram Links" by clicking on the various pictures.

This week's 10-Minute Torah on Youtube Parashat Vayeshev 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 9 December 2023 / 26 Kislev 5784 Parashat Vayeshev is the 9th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1-40:23; Numbers 7:18-23 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 2 1: 38:1-5 · 5 p’sukim · 2: 38:6-11 · 6 p’sukim · 3: 38:12-14 · 3 p’sukim · 4: 38:15-19 · 5 p’sukim · 5: 38:20-23 · 4 p’sukim · 6: 38:24-26 · 3 p’sukim · 7: 38:27-30 · 4 p’sukim · maf*: Numbers 7:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · *Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) Haftarah*: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 · 21 p’sukim *Chanukah Day 2 (on Shabbat) Commentary and Divrei Torah Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University Hertz Chumash: pp. 145 – 147 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 141 – 151) Artscroll Chumash: pp. 208 – 213 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 198 – 221) Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 233 – 237 Triennial Year 2 (Full Kriyah pp. 226 – 245) Parashat Vayeshev 5784 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב 9 de diciembre de 2023/26 Kislev 5784 Parashat Vayeshev es la novena porción semanal de la Torá en el ciclo judío anual de lectura de la Torá. Porción de la Torá: Génesis 37:1-40:23; Números 7:18-23 Vayeshev (“Él se estableció”) comienza la historia de José, describiendo su rivalidad con sus hermanos, la esclavitud en Egipto y el encarcelamiento después de que la esposa de su amo lo incrimina en respuesta al rechazo de José a sus insinuaciones. También contiene la historia de Tamar, sus maridos y su suegro, Judá. [1] Trienal año 2 1: 38:1-5 · 5 pesukim · 2: 38:6-11 · 6 pesukim · 3: 38:12-14 · 3 pesukim · 4: 38:15-19 · 5 pesukim · 5: 38:20-23 · 4 pesukim · 6: 38:24-26 · 3 pesukim · 7: 38:27-30 · 4 pesukim · maf*: Números 7:18-23 · 6 p’sukim · *Día 2 de Janucá (en Shabat) Haftará*: Zacarías 2:14-4:7 · 21 p’sukim *Día 2 de Janucá (en Shabat) Comentario y Divrei Torá Sefaria OU Torah Seminario Teológico Judío Universidad Judía Americana Hertz Chumash: págs. 145 – 147 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 141 – 151) Artscroll Chumash: págs. 208 – 213 Trienal Año 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 198 – 221) Etz Jaim Jumash: págs. 233 – 237 Año Trienal 2 (Kriyah completa págs. 226 – 245) Esta porción comienza hablando de la relación de Jacob con José, el hijo primogénito de su esposa favorita, Raquel. Así como Raquel murió al dar a luz con Benjamín, José es su conexión con ella. José también tiene el don de profecía, ya que tuvo dos sueños que presagian cómo sus hermanos y sus padres le rendirán homenaje. Esto crea sentimientos de celos en sus hermanos, quienes actúan en consecuencia vendiéndolo como esclavo, y José termina en Egipto. Luego, la Parashat relata cómo Judá deja a su familia para formar un negocio con un hombre adullamita, con cuya hija se casa. Tiene tres hijos con ella. Casa a la mayor que muere antes de tener un hijo y heredero. Su próximo hijo es designado para casarse con la viuda del mayor y así crear un heredero, pero muere antes de cumplir con ese deber. Judá ahora duda en casar a su hijo menor por temor a que él también muera prematuramente. Luego, la viuda Tamar engaña a Judá para que cumpla la obligación del “levirato” disfrazándose de ramera. Judá finalmente confiesa y reconoce que actuó correctamente y acepta la responsabilidad. Este desvío ha provocado valoraciones diferentes. Algunos creen que la aventura con Judá ocurrió antes de que el hermano conspirara para deshacerse de José. Otros dicen que, sin más evidencia, aceptamos el flujo de eventos en la Torá como tiempo real. Entonces, podría ser que Judá estuviera molesto por el comportamiento de sus hermanos y tratara de separarse del resto de su familia para hacer una declaración. También hay desacuerdo sobre las conclusiones del asunto. ¿Muestra que Judá, un viudo, cedió a la tentación de sus impulsos con una persona que no era miembro de su clan? ¿O nos da una idea de su justicia el poder admitir su comportamiento y así salvar la vida de su nuera Tamar, quien de otro modo habría sufrido la pena de muerte por no permanecer célibe hasta que Judá le diera permiso para casarse? Una vez más, tú decides...