by RabbiOlivier | Jan 3, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Chanukah 5777 The Next Messiah The holiday of Chanukah is a celebration of light, the commemoration of an ancient miracle. It is a time for us to reflect on the light in our life, and be reminded of the miracle that is life. Chanukah means “dedication.” It marks the...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 3, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Vayishlach Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 Honoring Our Fears In the previous Torah portion we read about Jacob’s vision of the ladder that came to him in a dream. At the end of that vision God appears to him to say: “And here I am, with you. I will guard you wherever you...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 9, 2016 | General, Torah Reflections
Vayeitzei Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 Vision Quest It is undeniable that some stones in Jerusalem radiate a certain energy. We, as Jews, come to pray at the Western Wall that supported the ancient Holy Temple built on Mount Moriah. We touch the stones of the Wall with...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 5, 2016 | General, Torah Reflections
Tol’dot Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 Why We Need Conflict The twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, wrestled each other since before they were born. At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion we learn that: “Rebekah became pregnant. But the children almost crushed one...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 26, 2016 | General, Torah Reflections
I can’t believe we are already coming to the end of our trip. What an amazing experience once again! We have done so much; it is really hard to fathom. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jana for making it all happen for us, and to Marla, our guide, for making every...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 23, 2016 | General, Torah Reflections
There is a beautiful parable in the story of Jesus that takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane that we visited today. The story goes that during Jesus’ celebration of Passover as he and his disciples are drinking the four cups of wine, sharing the matzah and eating...
