Author: shamyr

Shemot (שְׁמוֹת – The Names)
^{Exodus 1:1–6:1 and Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23}

A new Pharaoh subjects the Hebrews to harsher servitude and orders the drowning of the male firstborns. Moses, saved from the water by Pharaoh’s daughter, is raised in the royal court. As an adult, he kills an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew and flees to Midian. There, God appears to him in a burning bush and commands him to return to Egypt to free the Hebrews. In the Haftarah, Isaiah prophesies the redemption of Israel, announcing the end of exile and the spiritual restoration of the nation.

Exodus 2:10
וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ מֹשֶׁה וַתֹּאמֶר כִּי מִן-הַמַּיִם מְשִׁיתִהוּ
She called him Moses, saying, I drew him out of the water.

The Scola Levantina, erected in 1541 by Levantine Jews⁽¹⁾, is one of the five historical synagogues in the ghetto⁽²⁾ of Venice. All these synagogues are built on upper floors to limit the effects of acqua alta⁽³⁾. Its interior, in baroque style, is dominated by red tones. The ceiling adorned with geometric patterns supports bronze chandeliers, while the windows, formed of glass discs, resemble boat buoys. The Holy Ark and the bimah, richly decorated, are surrounded by carved wooden benches, and the women’s gallery, adorned with an elegant balustrade, overlooks the prayer space.

⁽¹⁾ Levantine Jews are from the eastern Mediterranean regions under Ottoman rule, particularly Greece and Turkey.
⁽²⁾ The Venice Ghetto was created in 1516. It is the world’s first Jewish ghetto. Jews were confined there at night and monitored by Christian guards. The word “ghetto” derives from the Italian ghèto, meaning “foundry,” referencing the industrial site where this neighborhood was established.
⁽³⁾ Acqua alta is an Italian term meaning “high waters,” referring to the exceptional tides that regularly flood Venice and affect all its buildings.

Vaye’hi (ויחי – And he lived)
^{Genesis 47:28–50:26 and I Kings 2:1–12}

Both texts reflect the transmission of a spiritual and moral legacy. Aware of his imminent death, Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, then gathers his sons to give them blessings and warnings. After his passing, his sons bury him in Machpelah. The parasha concludes with Joseph’s death, during which he reaffirms God’s promise to the Children of Israel to return to the land of Israel (Canaan). In the haftarah, David, sensing his end is near, blesses Solomon and imparts instructions for his reign.

Genesis 49:9 ⁽¹⁾
גּוּר אַרְיֵה יְהוּדָה, מִטֶּרֶף בְּנִי עָלִיתָ; כָּרַע רָבַץ כְּאַרְיֵה וּכְלָבִיא, מִי יְקִימֶנּוּ.
Judah is a young lion. You have risen above the prey, my son. You crouched, you lay down like a lion or like a leopard. Who would dare awaken you?

Kibbutz Lavi ⁽²⁾, founded in 1949 by Shoah survivors ⁽³⁾, is a religious kibbutz located in Lower Galilee. It operates a world-renowned factory, Lavi Furniture Industries, which produces custom-made liturgical furniture ⁽⁴⁾ for more than 6,000 synagogues in 70 countries. Over the years, Lavi has developed a luxury hotel and various agricultural branches, including field crops, orchards, a dairy farm, a cattle herd, and poultry farming. The synagogue, built in 1956, is distinguished by its high-quality furniture, crafted by the kibbutz’s carpentry factory.

⁽¹⁾ Commentary: Judah, a young king, embodies exemplary self-control, rising above predatory instincts. His tranquil sovereignty, ready to assert itself when needed, poses the question: who would dare challenge him?
⁽²⁾ Lavi (לָבִיא = leopard) is the name of an inn located along the road from Tzippori to Tiberias, dating from the 2nd to the 6th century. Remains of the inn have been discovered near the kibbutz.
⁽³⁾ Notably from the Kindertransport operation, a humanitarian mission carried out by Britain between 1938 and 1940, which saved children, mainly Jewish, from Nazi persecution by evacuating them to the United Kingdom. Around 10,000 children were hosted by British foster families, saving their lives, though many lost their parents during the Shoah.
⁽⁴⁾ In 2015, Lavi Furniture Industries completed a reconstruction of the Polish synagogue destroyed by the Nazis in 1939. This work was commissioned for the Forest Hill Jewish Centre in Toronto.

Vayigash (ויגש – Then he approached)
^{Genesis 44:18–47:27 and Ezekiel 37:15–28}

Joseph gathers his family in Egypt and settles them in the land of Goshen(1), ensuring their survival. The prophet Ezekiel foretells the reunification of the tribes of Israel—two narratives celebrating the unity of the Jewish people.

Genesis 45:10
Joseph sends an invitation to his father through his brothers:
וְיָשַׁבְתָּ בְאֶרֶץ-גֹּשֶׁן
You shall dwell in the land of Goshen.

Founded in the 9th century, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, located in Cairo, is one of Egypt’s oldest. Restored multiple times over the centuries, it stands as a testament to the continuity and prosperity of the Jewish community in Egypt. The current structure, built in 1850, elegantly blends Jewish and Islamic architectural influences. Its interior, adorned with carved wood and geometric patterns, showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the era. The synagogue houses the famous Genizah⁽²⁾, where valuable ancient documents were discovered, providing an invaluable resource for Jewish history.

⁽¹⁾ The region of Goshen is located in the eastern Nile Delta, near modern-day Ismailia, approximately 100 kilometers east-northeast of Cairo.
⁽²⁾ A Genizah is a storage place for worn or damaged religious items that cannot be destroyed. The Cairo Genizah revealed documents dating from the 9th to the 19th century, including biblical fragments, correspondence, commercial records, and other writings essential to Jewish history.

Miqets (מִקֵּץ = At the end of) and Hanukkah (חֲנוּכָּה = Dedication)
^{Genesis 41:1 – 44:17, Zechariah 2:14-4:7, Numbers 7:1-8:4, and Psalms 113 to 118}

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine, earning Pharaoh’s favor. He becomes viceroy, saves Egypt from famine, and reunites with his brothers without revealing his identity. In the haftarah, connected to Hanukkah, the prophet Zechariah describes the vision of a menorah during the inauguration of the Temple.

Zechariah 4:2
וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלַי, מָה אַתָּה רֹאֶה; וָאֹמַר רָאִיתִי וְהִנֵּה מְנוֹרַת זָהָב כֻּלָּהּ
He said to me: “What do you see?” I replied: “I see a completely gold lampstand.

The world’s largest Hanukkiah, made of golden steel, stands approximately 11 meters⁽¹⁾ tall. Created in 1987 by Israeli artist Yaacov Agam⁽²⁾, it has become an iconic Hanukkah symbol in Manhattan. This year, its public lighting will take place on December 25th on Fifth Avenue, near Central Park, accompanied by songs and festivities.

⁽¹⁾ According to Jewish law, Hanukkah lights should not be placed higher than 20 cubits (amot) above the ground, which is approximately 11 meters. This restriction ensures that the lights are clearly visible to proclaim the miracle of Hanukkah.
⁽²⁾ Yaacov Agam (born 1928) is an internationally renowned Israeli artist, a pioneer in kinetic and optical art.

Vayeshev (וַיֵּשֶׁב = And he settled)
^{Genesis 37:1 – 40:23 and Amos 2:6-3:8}

Jacob settles in Canaan, where family tensions reach their climax when Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. Taken to Egypt, he becomes Potiphar’s servant. Harassed by Potiphar’s wife and after resisting her advances, he is falsely accused and imprisoned. While in captivity, Joseph reveals his extraordinary gift for interpreting dreams. The parasha also recounts the story of Judah and Tamar, highlighting ^{_{(Genesis 38:29)}} the birth of Perez, an ancestor of King David. In the haftarah, the prophet Amos denounces injustice, betrayal, and abuse of power.

Amos 3:3
הֲיֵלְכוּ שְׁנַיִם, יַחְדָּו, בִּלְתִּי, אִם-נוֹעָדוּ.
Do two men walk together unless they have agreed to meet?

President Santiago Peña reaffirmed, at the Knesset and during the inauguration of the Paraguayan embassy in Jerusalem, his commitment to the fight against the injustice of antisemitism. This position had already been expressed in Asunción, his capital, renowned for its historical buildings, green spaces, and rich cultural diversity.
The city is also home to the Hebrew Union of Paraguay⁽¹⁾. This dynamic Jewish community undertook the restoration of its former building by submitting a proposal in an international competition. The Arquitectura⁽²⁾ team won the contest. The renovation combines modernity and tradition, using concrete and rusted metal on the exterior and wood on the interior. Skylights in the ceiling create a play of shadows and light. The synagogue was inaugurated in May 2019.

⁽¹⁾ Hebraic Union of Paraguay: Founded in 1939, it is one of the main Jewish organizations in Paraguay.
⁽²⁾ Equipo de Arquitectura is a studio based in Asunción, Paraguay, founded by Leonardo Méndez, Horacio Cherniavsky, Viviana Pozzoli, Diego Soto, and Jonathan Sosky. Recognized for its innovative approach, the group favors the use of local and sustainable materials and strives to design harmonious and minimalist spaces. Their work has been internationally acclaimed for its refined aesthetics and respectful integration into the environment.

Vayishla’h (וישלח = and he sent)
^{Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 and Obadiah (Obadiah) 1:1-21 (Sephardic) or Hosea 11:7–12:12 (Ashkenazi)}

The parashah Vayishla’h recounts the episode where Ya’aqov wrestles all night with a mysterious being who names him Israel. Transformed by this experience, he prepares to face his brother Esav after years of separation. The Sephardic haftara⁽¹⁾ highlights the fall of Edom and the final victory of Israel.

Genesis 32:29
וַיֹּאמֶר, לֹא יַעֲקֹב יֵאָמֵר עוֹד שִׁמְךָ–כִּי, אִם-יִשְׂרָאֵל: כִּי-שָׂרִיתָ עִם-אֱלֹהִים וְעִם-אֲנָשִׁים, וַתּוּכָל
He said, “Your name will no longer be Ya’aqov, but Israel, because you have struggled with divine and human beings and have prevailed.”

The synagogue Kahal Kadosh Yashan in Ioannina, built in the 19th century, is a testament to the oldest Jewish community in Greece, the Romaniotes⁽²⁾. Its construction was influenced by Ottoman art, featuring elegant arches and a central dome. In the courtyard, the fountain for the Kohanim’s ablutions, the well for the tashlikh ceremony, and the side door leading to the women’s gallery demonstrate the care taken to preserve traditions. Nearby, the restored mikveh symbolizes spiritual renewal. Just as Ya’aqov, after his struggle at the Yabboq River, renewed his spiritual identity and received new blessings.

⁽¹⁾ For the Ashkenazim, the haftara speaks of God’s love for Israel and the people’s struggle to remain faithful to their divine mission despite trials.
⁽²⁾ The Romaniotes, an ancient native Greek Jewish community, have maintained traditions and practices dating back to the Byzantine Empire. Their liturgy and language (Yevanic, a Judeo-Greek dialect) reflect this long integration into Greek culture while preserving their Jewish identity. With the arrival of the Sephardim after the expulsion from Spain, many Romaniotes adopted Sephardic customs, but they still retain unique characteristics.

Vayetse (ויצא = and he went out)
^{Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 and Hosea 12:13 – 14:10 (Sephardic) and Hosea 11:7 – 12:12 (Ashkenazic)}

Jacob leaves Beer-Sheba for Haran⁽¹⁾. On his way, he dreams of a ladder reaching from heaven to earth. Upon arriving in Haran, he works for Laban and marries his daughters, Leah and Rachel. After many years of labor and increasing prosperity, Jacob leaves Laban with his family and possessions, continuing his mission to build the people of Israel. Hosea recalls Jacob’s story, particularly his flight to Aram⁽²⁾ and his service to obtain his wives. The Haftarah draws a parallel between Jacob’s personal story and the collective destiny of Israel, emphasizing the enduring nature of the divine covenant, even in exile or through trials.

Genesis 29:15
וַיִּשָּׂא יַעֲקֹב, רַגְלָיו; וַיֵּלֶךְ, אַרְצָה בְנֵי-קֶדֶם
Jacob set out and went toward the land of the people of the East.

In the East, far from Israel, the Jews of Cochin have preserved their spiritual heritage. The Paradesi synagogue, built in 1568, stands as a testament to this enduring connection to tradition. The term “Paradesi,” derived from the Sanskrit word परदेशी (meaning “from abroad”), primarily refers to Jews of Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch origin who settled in Cochin after the Inquisition. This name was given to distinguish them from the older local Jewish communities, such as the Malabar⁽³⁾ Jews . The synagogue blends architectural influences from both the East and Europe. It features blue and white tiles, blown glass chandeliers, brass candelabras, and ancient Torah scrolls. It was further adorned with a clock tower in 1760. This synagogue is the oldest in active use in India and reflects a peaceful coexistence between Jews and Indians over the centuries.

¹ The city of Harran, located in the southern part of modern-day Turkey near the Syrian border, may correspond to Haran.
² Aram is a region inhabited by the Arameans, located in central present-day Syria. The name may derive from Aram, the fifth son of Shem.
³ The Malabar Jews form an ancient community in the Kerala region, with distinct traditions. Their presence dates back around 3,000 years, to the time of King Solomon or the Kingdom of Judah, when Jews began trading with the peoples of South India and settling along the Malabar coast, now known as Kerala.

Toledot, Shabbat Machar Chodesh
^{Genesis 25:19–28:9, First Book of Samuel 20:18–42, and Isaiah 42:5 and 42:21}

The parasha Toledot recounts the birth of Yaakov and Esav, their rivalry, and Isaac’s blessings. The haftara for Shabbat Machar Chodesh discusses the friendship between Jonathan and David, mentions “Tomorrow is the new moon” (I Samuel 20:18), and emphasizes divine protection and the importance of loyalty. Lastly, the opening and closing verses of the haftara for Toledot (Isaiah 42:5 and 42:21) highlight Israel’s divine mission to bring justice and light to the world.

I Samuel 20:42
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוֹנָתָן לְדָוִד, לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם: אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁבַּעְנוּ שְׁנֵינוּ אֲנַחְנוּ,
בְּשֵׁם ה’, לֵאמֹר, ה’ יִהְיֶה בֵּינִי וּבֵינֶךָ וּבֵין זַרְעִי וּבֵין זַרְעֲךָ, עַד-עוֹלָם.
And Jonathan said to David: “Go in peace, since we have sworn, both of us, in the name of H’, saying, ‘May H’ be between you and me, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever!’”

Hungarian President Viktor Orbán has guaranteed that the international arrest warrants issued by the ICC⁽¹⁾ against Netanyahu and Gallant will not be enforced in Hungary and has decided to suspend Hungary’s relations with the ICC. This gesture reflects peace and loyalty toward Israel. Similarly, in 1990, the city of Debrecen, Hungary, also demonstrated peace and loyalty toward Israel by establishing a twin-city partnership⁽²⁾ with Rishon LeZion.

Debrecen is home to several Jewish places of worship, including the Orthodox synagogue on Pásti Street. Built in 1894, it is a remarkable example of Neo-Moorish architecture, designed by architect Jakob Gartner⁽³⁾. In 2000, the synagogue was officially declared a historical monument, and its restoration was initiated. Reopened in 2005, it now serves as a place of prayer as well as a tourist and conference center.

Notes
¹ ICC: The International Criminal Court is an international organization established to prosecute perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression. The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands.
² A twin-city partnership is a symbolic gesture that fosters strong, lasting relationships of solidarity and cooperation for mutual development by encouraging cultural, educational, and economic exchanges.
³ Jakob Gartner (1861–1921) was an Austrian-Jewish architect specializing in synagogues, known for his eclectic style combining Neo-Moorish, Neo-Romanesque, and historicist influences. Among his notable works are the Orthodox synagogue in Debrecen and the synagogue in Gänserndorf, Austria.

Chayei Sarah (חיי שרה – The Life of Sarah)
Genesis 23:1 to 25:18 and I Kings 1:1–31

Sarah passes away at the age of 127 in Hebron. Abraham purchases the Cave of Machpelah to bury her. Isaac marries Rebecca; they fall in love, and Isaac finds comfort after the loss of his mother. Abraham remarries Keturah, makes arrangements for his children, and dies at the age of 175. Isaac and Ishmael bury him in the Cave of Machpelah alongside Sarah. In the haftarah, King David also makes arrangements before his death.

Genesis 24:7
וְלָקַחְתָּ אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי, מִשָּׁם.
“And you shall take a wife for my son from there.”

This verse is part of the “Avraham Zaken” passage, read in Hebrew and Aramaic when the groom is called to the Torah. Aramaic is also the language used for writing the ketubah, the marriage contract that the hatan (groom) gives to the kallah (bride) during the wedding ceremony. The ketubah outlines the husband’s responsibilities and obligations toward his wife.

The Ketubbot collection at the National Library of Israel is a unique treasure reflecting the richness and diversity of Jewish traditions across centuries. These marriage contracts, often adorned with magnificent illustrations and calligraphy, are not merely legal documents; they testify to cultural practices, local artistic influences, and communal identities across the Jewish diaspora. Whether featuring Oriental, Italian, or Ashkenazi motifs, each ketubah tells a story, intertwining the sacred and the personal in Jewish family life.

Three angels announce to Abraham the upcoming birth of Isaac and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, because the inhabitants are perverted. Abraham implores Hashem to spare the cities if righteous people are found there. Only Lot and his family escape the destruction. Lot’s wife turns into a pillar of salt for having disobeyed the command of Hashem. In the haftara, the prophet Amos emphasizes the importance of living according to principles of justice and equity.

Genesis 19:26
וַתַּבֵּט אֵשֶׁת לֹוט מֵאֲחוֹרָיו וַתְּהִי נִצָּבָה מֶלַח
And Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.

Mount Sodom (הר סדום, Har Sedom) is a hill located along the southwestern part of the Dead Sea in Israel. It is part of the Judean Desert Nature Reserve. Composed of about 80% salt, it is covered with a layer of limestone and clay. Measuring about 8 km long, 5 km wide, and 226 m above the water level of the Dead Sea, it is, however, 170 m below the global average sea level.

One pillar is known as Lot’s Wife. The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus¹ claims to have seen this salt statue. The Sages (Talmud B. Ber. 54a) teach a list of places where one must recite a blessing due to miracles that occurred there, and Lot’s wife is included.

¹ Yossef ben Matityahou HaCohen (Joseph son of Matthatias the Priest – יוסף בן מתתיהו הכהן), better known as Flavius Josephus (Titus Flavius Iosephus), born in Jerusalem in 38 and died in Rome around 100, is a Jewish Roman historiographer.