At least 40-50,000 people living in Poland today have one or more Jewish ancestors. Although a few thousand have recently discovered this long hidden fact, the majority of Poles with Jewish roots are unaware of their Jewish heritage. Now that Poland is a free country at last, an increasing number of members of the older […]
Shoftim – 5774
Capital Punishment –When and why? In the Torah death is the appropriate punishment not only for murder but also for a series of other crimes: Rape of a married or a betrothed woman, adultery, beating one’s parents, and even deliberate desecration of the Sabbath Day… This weekly portion of ‘Shoftim’=Judges, imposes a restriction on court […]
The Night of the Jewish “Valentine’s Day”
The night of the Jewish “Valentine’s Day” -15th of the month of Av (Tu B’Av, August 11/12, 2014) is a popular day for weddings. It is the night of a full moon. We had no ready- made Chupa and had to build it by ourselves. Three of the people holding the Chupa are Jews by […]
Is Poland A Valley Of Dry Bones?
To understand this passage from the Biblical book of Ezekiel, you must know that the Hebrew word Ruach has four different meanings; wind, breath, spirit and inspiration. Our passage uses these various meanings in teaching God’s message to the depressed and despairing Jews living in exile in Babylonia. While living among the exiles from Judah […]