The Dual Redemption of the Jewish People since the Liberation of Auschwitz
As I contemplate International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating Auschwitz’s liberation in January of 1945, I prefer to recall the dual redemptions of the Jewish people that have occurred since...
View ArticleCosmology? Does it Matter?
I have been a constant CBC listener. My radio is on almost 24 hours as I find it good company even at night. One morning, the radio program CBC-Ideas*1 began with someone reading The Huarochirí...
View ArticleA Brief Meditation on Heroes, Whether Named or Anonymous
These are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt. (Exodus CH 1:V 1) In general, all the Jewish books and all the weekly Torah portions read in the synagogue are named after the first...
View ArticleSpring in Israel
I arrived in Israel on March 2nd from Montreal and have met amazing people at every turn. Continue reading →
View ArticleShabbat in Jerusalem
My first Shabbat with my nephew and his family in Kiryat Menahem and the second in my very own apartment in Jerusalem Continue reading →
View ArticleJerusalem-style Purim celebrations!
Purim is a profoundly spiritual and meaningful Jewish holiday with material and spiritual components. Continue reading →
View ArticleBarbie: A Cinematic Journey of Self-Discovery, Reflection, and Growth
Barbie was the most enjoyable movie - it has music, jokes, and a powerful message. Continue reading →
View ArticleSHTTL: A Glimpse into Ukrainian Village Life Amidst Tragedy
SHTTL creatively brings you into this village life before the Nazi invasion of Ukraine as an active observer. Continue reading →
View ArticleOppenheimer: What is his story?
Intrigued by the buzz around “Oppenheimer,” I decided to watch the film because of its historical focus on Robert Oppenheimer, the architect of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during...
View ArticleChronicles of Conflict: A Personal Perspective on the Israel-Hamas War
I was in Israel during the recent Jewish holidays when a senseless and brutal attack took place, targeting Israeli civilians of all ages, including men, women, and children. This tragic incident...
View ArticleNavigating Israel’s Recent Challenges: A Personal Reflection
My observations on the ongoing Israel-Hamas War and the responses of Jews, Israelis and the non-Jewish world, both negative and positive. Continue reading →
View ArticleMy Journey in Israel, October 7-12
On the morning of Saturday, October 7, I found myself at my nephew Rabbi Yair Silverman’s synagogue, partaking in the Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah festivities. This marked the culmination of our Rosh...
View ArticleBearing Witness: The Awakening of October 7 and the Emergence of New Realities
The profound impact of October 7 on Israelis, Jews, and global allies is evident. Join the journey to strengthen resilience, drawing insights from a visit to Poland and a deep commitment to maintaining...
View ArticleFrancisco Gil-White: Insights into the Geopolitics of antisemitism
Francisco Gil-White thoroughly examines the historical ties between Nazis, the Arab world, and Israel, dispelling anti-Semitic stereotypes. Continue reading → The post Francisco Gil-White: Insights...
View ArticlePurim: Transforming Defeat into Triumph
Explore the lessons of Purim that reflect on faith, courage, and resilience, and their relevance to contemporary times and challenges. Continue reading → The post Purim: Transforming Defeat into...
View ArticleRabbi Poupko’s Oscar Reviews
Rabbi Poupko delves into three Oscar-nominated films - Oppenheimer, Maestro, and The Zone of Interest - exploring Jewish contributions to science and culture, the shifting fortunes of Jews in Germany,...
View ArticlePassover in Israel: Reflections on Tradition, Resilience, and Hope in 2024
Deep-Rooted Traditions During the seder, we reflect on a poignant line from the Haggadah: “In every generation they rise against us, to annihilate us, but the Holy One, Blessed Be, saves us from their...
View ArticleFrom Exodus to Redemption: Finding Hope in Mimouna 2024 Amidst Global Turmoil
“B’Nissan higalnu, v’b’Nissan atidim l’higael” – In the month of Nissan, were we redeemed (from Egypt), and in the month of Nissan, are we destined to be redeemed – our Final Redemption. This ancient...
View ArticleSpeaking Truth to Power: The Case of Pat Condell and the Media
This video by Pat Condell was posted on August 5, 2014, but If I hadn’t checked the date, I would have sworn it was created yesterday: Continue reading → The post Speaking Truth to Power: The Case of...
View ArticlePurim: Transforming Defeat into Triumph
Explore the lessons of Purim that reflect on faith, courage, and resilience, and their relevance to contemporary times and challenges. Continue reading → The post Purim: Transforming Defeat into...
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