In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham's servant searches for a wife for Isaac. We read of his encounter with Rebecca at the well three times: as the servant is praying, as it happens, and as the servant recounts the tale to Rebecca’s family. Why is this story told three times? The sages tell us that sometimes, more can be learned from the conversation of the patriarchs and matriarchs than from the depths of the later writings of the Torah.

Though the details of the story may seem mundane, they indicate who the patriarchs are and what they will become. Life is found in these moments and details. Every moment counts, even those spent waiting for someone to draw water. Click here to watch on YouTube.

The roots of history’s oldest rivalry are found in the week’s Torah portion! This story begins with Sarah who believes that Abraham’s line will continue through her maid, Hagar. Hagar quickly turns to Sarah with scorn, an attitude she passes onto her son Ishmael, who in turn scorns his brother Isaac. Laughter, scorn, and cynicism are woven throughout this story, but so are God’s mercy and promise. Shabbat Shalom! Click here to watch on YouTube.

This week we start the journey of Abraham as he is called by God to “Go forth”. Abraham is often compared to Noah. At the beginning of last week’s portion, Noah was introduced as a righteous man. But what about Abraham’s background? Who was he? The Midrash provides details for the early life of Abraham before he is called forth.

One commentary explains that Abraham has no background story because the call he heard from God wasn’t personal. God called on the entire world to go forth! But only Abraham heeded the call and went into the unknown. Like Abraham, you shouldn’t be afraid to be different! God’s call isn’t just for a personal journey, but to share His light with others. Shabbat Shalom

Click here to watch on YouTube.

Welcome to a new Torah portion series from our brand-new studio! Click here to watch on YouTube.

This week we dive into the story of Noh and the flood. We can conclude from this story that a righteous person has the power to save himself. But this isn’t always enough.

There is some criticism leveled at Noah, who saved himself and his family but no one else. What was he doing while building the ark? Didn’t he warn others?

Shmuel compares this to the self-sacrifice of Israel’s soldiers, many of whom fell just last month. Men who were over 40 and had many children still chose to serve their country and gave their lives doing so. A righteous person must care about others!

Shabbat Shalom

Last year, I recorded the Torah portion Bereisheet a day after the 7th of October massacre, and you can see I had no idea what was about to come. Click here to watch on YouTube. Attached to this episode is the audio recording from last year.

A year has passed, and we find ourselves still in the midst of conflict. Change is not just needed—it’s essential. Now, as we begin the cycle of Bereisheet again, we’re determined to make this year different.

This week’s portion isn’t only a fresh start; it’s a reminder. It calls us to remember the victims, the sorrow, and the hardships of the past year. But with this new beginning, we commit to stepping up, to making each moment count. Bereisheet challenges us to hold hope that next year will bring something better.

Here’s to making that hope a reality. A memory of last year- and from next week - it will be different.

Shabbat shalom

Note: The audio mp3 attached is not related to this week's Shabbat Shalom. Please click the link to watch Sondra share on Sukkot on YouTube.

This week is the holiday of Succot, the Feast of Tabernacles, and the middle of Sukkot falls on Shabbat, so once again the regular Torah reading is suspended and a special portion for the holiday is read instead. We read from Exodus, Chapter 33. The section discusses G-d’s covenant with Moses and that His presence will dwell with the Jewish people. He tells Moses to carve new tablets upon which G-d will engrave the Ten Commandments and up on Mount Sinai G-d reveals His glory.

There will be a time when G-d will defeat our enemies, will enable us to live in peace in this Land, when the Temple will be rebuilt and we will once again celebrate the holiday of Succot as before. And the nations of the world will join us — not just those who come today as our friends and allies, but also those who were once our enemies, who survive G-d’s punishment and recognize G-d’s sovereignty. We wait for that day to come and pray for it, especially during the holiday of Succot.

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The holy day of Yom Kippur begins tonight at sundown. Enjoy these thoughts on the weekly Torah portion and on the significance of Yom Kippur. To those who are observing we wish you a meaningful fast. May you be sealed in the Book of Life, for good!

https://youtu.be/E-d778-wIK0

https://youtu.be/xzTbX7T2WcA

https://cfoic.com/yom-kippur-2024/

** The mp3 is not for this week's torah portion. The links above are for this year's Yom Kippur.

Here is the Shabbat Shalom from last week. Sorry that it's late. It's also a link to a YouTube video that Sondra Baras did for this torah portion. Watch Now>> *The mp3 is the week's prior portion.

We have arrived at the final portion in the Torah! Join CFOIC's International President Sondra Oster Baras for a teaching on the portion of Ha'azinu. Shabbat Shalom!