God was teaching Moshe that there are things that one can understand only if one sees the entire picture. This can only be done when one is silent because when one speaks, one concentrates only on what he’s saying, ignoring the surroundings. Shtikah allows one to evaluate his surroundings and to see the entire picture. [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Parsha Shemini: The Value of Silence Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsWhat is the Torah trying to teach us with this mandate to use the best oil for lighting the Menorah, whereas for the meal-offerings, the Menachot, we are only required to use this secondary oil? (Interestingly, it is noteworthy that the norm is for us to use our best oil for cooking and meal prep, but for lamp fuel, we are ok using subpar oil as long as it lights well – just the opposite!) [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Parshat Tetzaveh: The Symbolic Importance of Pure Olive Oil Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsParents, Rabbi Schwab emphasizes, might inadvertently fall into the trap of molding their child into a preconceived image, stifling the child’s unique potential. The Torah here hints at the directive for parents to go beyond imposing predetermined expectations and, instead, understand the essence of their child – honing in on what makes them unique. [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Torah Hints at Encouraging a Child’s Individuality Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, San Diego County, Staff and Bylined ContributorsThe Torah’s narrative regarding the events leading to the acceptance of the Torah at Mount Sinai through Moshe Rabaynu is somewhat ambiguous, leaving scholars and commentators grappling with the persistent question: what precisely occurred? [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Parsha Yitro: What Happened at Sinai Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsHow could they complain after all they had experienced? Time and again, they witnessed the hand of God caring for them. How could they think, let alone complain, that Hashem wasn’t taking care of them? [Rabbi Daniel Reich]
Parshat Beshalach: Is There Such Thing as Spiritual Invincibility? Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion, Staff and Bylined ContributorsShabbat Vayechi 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — One of the oldest and most cherished customs of the Jewish people is the parental blessing bestowed upon their children on Friday nights. It provides a precious moment of profound connection between parent and child, offering heartfelt blessings for the realization of their full
Being Happy for Others: Insights From Menashe Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Vayigash 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Parshat Vayigash continues from where we left off last week, as Yehuda confronts Yoseph in the aftermath of the stolen goblet incident that led to Binyamin’s imprisonment. The narrative carefully retraces the sequence of events, beginning with Yoseph’s peculiar interest in their family. Yehuda makes
In Memory of My Saba: Setting the Stage for Yehuda’s Kingship Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Mikeitz 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yosef endured 12 years of imprisonment, Pharaoh, troubled by two similar dreams, sought an interpretation, leading to Yosef’s release from prison. The Pharaoh’s butler, recalling Yosef’s exceptional skill in deciphering dreams, hastened to bring him before Pharaoh. In Pharaoh’s presence, Yosef not only interpreted the
The Significance of Ephraim’s Dust: A Legacy of Humility and Devotion Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Vayeishev 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yosef, a handsome 17-year-old, cherished as the beloved son of the great Yaakov Avinu, was a young man dedicated to learning and growing closer to Hashem. However, his life took a challenging turn when his brothers turned against him, casting him into a pit,
Yosef’s Moral Compass: Navigating Challenges With Integrity Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Vayishlach 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Yaakov had been preparing for the meeting between him and his brother Eisav. He had heard that his brother was coming with 400 men to kill him, so Yaakov acted very strategically in anticipation of the meeting. Then the moment of truth came. Yaakov
Finding Divine Connection in Unexpected Moments Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Toldot 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — After many years of being barren, praying, and pleading with Hashem to please grant them children, Rivka and Yitzchak were finally blessed with the expectation of twin boys! One can only imagine the unfiltered joy; how elated Rivka and Yitzchak felt. The feeling of
The Protection of Torah Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Chayei Sarah 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Our great matriarch, Sarah Imeinu, had an exceedingly challenging life. The trials and tribulations she faced are evident when one reads the basic text of the Torah: First, she had to leave to a far off unknown land. Then she endured a famine.
Living a Life of Faith Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish ReligionShabbat Lech Lecha 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579–1654), in his classic commentary on the Mishnah, Tosfot Yom Tov (Pirkei Avot, 5:3), offers profound insight into the title bestowed upon our forefather Avraham, known as “Avinu” (our father). We know that Avraham is called Avraham “Avinu”
Our Divine Defense System Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
Shabbat Bereshit 5784 By Rabbi Daniel Reich LA JOLLA, California — Earlier this week, the RCA (Rabbinical Council of America) hosted a Zoom call for congregational rabbis with Dr. Norman Blumenthal, a renowned Jewish psychologist, and Rav Dovid Miller, the Rosh Kollel of the YU Gruss Kollel in Yerushalayim. Their goal was to provide insights
Shabbos: Finding Strength Amidst the Chaos Read More »
Daniel Reich-Rabbi, Jewish Religion