Monthly Archives: September 2018

There is an interesting commentary on חֻקַּת עוֹלָם, “an everlasting law” in the last verse of the Torah reading for Yom Kippur morning (Leviticus 16:1-34). Even when there is no Temple, if we repent on Yom Kippur, the day itself … Continue reading →

Posted on 28/09/2018 by Aleinu | Leave a comment

(The following was prepared by my wife, Rabbi Vered Hillel, for submission to the UMJC weekly Torah/Haftarah portion.) The haftarah for Parashat Ha’azinu is David’s great hymn of thanksgiving, praising Hashem for providing protection and deliverance from all the dangers … Continue reading →

Posted on 21/09/2018 by Aleinu | Leave a comment

This week’s Torah portion is Vayelech, Deuteronomy 31:1-30.[i] For the encouragement of many of us, this portion begins, וַיֵּלֶךְ, מֹשֶׁה; וַיְדַבֵּר, Moshe walked and talked with Bnei-Yisrael. Why is this encouragement? Quite simply because the next verse states that Moshe was … Continue reading →

Posted on 14/09/2018 by Aleinu | Leave a comment

We are soon coming to the close of yearly reading cycle on Simchat Torah. This week’s Parasha is Nitzavim, Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20.[i] It is normally read on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah. The Haftarah is Isaiah 61:10 – 63:9, … Continue reading →

Posted on 07/09/2018 by Aleinu | Leave a comment