Category: Uncategorized

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.

Lech Lecha
^{Genesis 12:1 – 17:27, Isaiah 40:27 – 41:16}

God calls Avram to leave his land, his homeland, and his father’s house for a country that He will show him, promising to make him a great nation. Avram obeys and travels with his wife Sarai. God renews His covenant and adds the letter ה (hei) to their names⁽¹⁾. God promises Abraham a son from Sarah, thus ensuring the continuity of the covenant. In the haftarah, Isaiah reassures the Bnei Israel and tells them that God will support them and provide them with strength and protection against their enemies.

Genesis 12:1
וַיֹּאמֶר יי אֶל-אַבְרָם, לֶךְ-לְךָ מֵאַרְצְךָ וּמִמּוֹלַדְתְּךָ וּמִבֵּית אָבִיךָ, אֶל-הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר אַרְאֶךָּ. 
The Lord says to Avram: Go for yourself, from your land, from your homeland, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.

The Jewish Agency for Israel, founded in 1929, aims to represent Jews and facilitate their immigration to the Land of Israel. It becomes a central player in the development of Jewish infrastructure under the British mandate and plays a key role in the creation of the state. After 1948, the Israeli government takes over most of the political functions of the Agency, which continues to play an active role in the immigration, reception, and integration of Jews from around the world.

The Jewish Agency building in Jerusalem, designed by Arthur Loomis Harmon⁽²⁾ in the 1930s, combines Bauhaus⁽³⁾ and modernist styles with the use of Jerusalem stone, typical of local architecture.

^1. The addition of the letter ה (hei) to אברם (Avram) / אברהם (Abraham) and שרי (Saraï) / שרה (Sarah) represents a spiritual elevation, strengthening their bond with God.
^2. Arthur Loomis Harmon (1870-1945) was an American architect known for his role in modernist architecture.
^3. The Bauhaus style, founded in 1919 in Germany, emphasizes functionality and aesthetics, influencing architecture and design worldwide.

1935-1942
Noah and Rosh Hodesh
^{Genesis 6:9–11:32, Numbers 28:9-15, and Isaiah 66:1-24}

The parasha Noach recounts the story of Noah, the building of the ark, the flood, and the covenant between God and humanity, symbolized by the rainbow. It also touches upon the Tower of Babel and the dispersal of the nations. The Haftarah highlights divine compassion and the promise of peace for Jerusalem.

Genesis 7:13
בְּעֶצֶם הַיּוֹם הַזֶּה בָּא נֹחַ, וְשֵׁם-וְחָם וָיֶפֶת בְּנֵי-נֹחַ; וְאֵשֶׁת נֹחַ, וּשְׁלֹשֶׁת נְשֵׁי-בָנָיו אִתָּם–אֶל-הַתֵּבָה.
On that very day Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, along with Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons, entered the ark.

The SS Normandie provided a safe haven at sea. Designed by Yourkevitch⁽¹⁾ and built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, it was launched in 1935. At 313 meters in length, it could carry nearly 2,000 passengers, combining technological innovation and Art Deco elegance. In 1936, a synagogue and a kosher kitchen⁽²⁾ were added on board to meet the needs of Jewish passengers.

In 1942, the ship was requisitioned by the United States for military conversion. Unfortunately, an accidental fire in New York led to flooding and caused the vessel to capsize.

⁽¹⁾ Vladimir Ivanovich Yourkevitch (1885-1964), a Russian-American naval architect of Russian origin, emigrated to France after the Russian Revolution and worked for the Chantiers de Penhoët. He later moved to the United States, where he continued his career.
⁽²⁾ On the routes of the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes and the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, kosher service was offered aboard the liners Paris, Île-de-France, and later the Normandie, where a synagogue and a kosher kitchen were set up. In the Mediterranean, kosher menus were also available on board the Champollion (1925) and, in 1926, the Mariette Pacha.

Shemini Atzeret (Simchat Torah)
_{Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12, Numbers 29:35 – 30:1, Genesis 1:1 – 2:3, and Joshua 1:1-18}
^{Additionally, in the diaspora: Deuteronomy 14:22 – 16:17 and I Kings 8:54-66}

During this celebration, in the first Torah scroll, we complete the reading of the fifth book of the Torah. This passage recounts the blessings that Moses bestows upon the Children of Israel, the appointment of Joshua as the new leader, and the death of Moses. The second scroll pertains to the festival, and in the third, we begin the first verses of Bereshit, which recount the creation of the world.

Genesis 1:1-3
בְּרֵאשִׁית, בָּרָא אֱלֹקִים, אֵת הַשָּׁמַיִם, וְאֵת הָאָרֶץ. וְהָאָרֶץ, הָיְתָה תֹהוּ וָבֹהוּ, וְחֹשֶׁךְ, עַל-פְּנֵי תְהוֹם; וְרוּחַ אֱלֹקִים, מְרַחֶפֶת עַל-פְּנֵי הַמָּיִם. וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹקִים, יְהִי אוֹר; וַיְהִי-אוֹר.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty; darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

The Moses Ben Maimon⁽¹⁾ Synagogue in Abu Dhabi, designed by Sir David Adjaye⁽²⁾ and inaugurated in February 2023, features a modern structure reminiscent of a Sukkah, allowing light to freely enter. It is named after the renowned author of the Mishneh Torah⁽³⁾, who asserts that the earth belongs to God and that He gave the land of Israel to the Jews. This concept of divine ownership is also reflected in Rashi’s⁽⁴⁾ commentary on Genesis 1:1, where he explains that the Torah begins with the creation of the world so that, if the nations accuse the Children of Israel of stealing the land, they can respond: ‘The entire earth belongs to God, for He created it and gave it to whomever He deemed worthy’ (Jeremiah 27:5).

⁽¹⁾ Rabbi Moses ben Maimon (1135-1204), known as Maimonides or by the acronym Rambam, was a prominent Jewish philosopher, theologian, and legal codifier. His major work is the Mishneh Torah.
(2) Sir David Adjaye, an internationally renowned Ghanaian-British architect, was born in 1966 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He was knighted in 2017 by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to architecture.
(3) The Mishneh Torah is a monumental work, divided into 14 books, that codifies Jewish law and serves as an essential reference in Jewish tradition. In the chapter Hilchot Shemittah VeYovel 13:13, Maimonides refers to the verse: “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me” (Leviticus 25:23). In Hilchot Melachim UMilchamotehem 5:6, he also mentions the verse: “You shall take possession of the land and dwell in it, for I have given the land to you to possess” (Numbers 33:53).
(4) Rashi: An acronym for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki (1040-1105), a famous commentator on the Torah and Talmud. His clear and concise explanations, written in Hebrew, are widely adopted in Jewish studies.

Sukkot and Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot
_{Leviticus 22:26 – 23:44 and Numbers 29:12-16 and Zechariah 14:1-21 [I Kings 8:2-21]}
^{Numbers 33:13-34:26, Numbers 29:20-22 [29:17-22] and Ezekiel 38:18-39:16}

The Torah, read during Sukkot, commands the Jews to live in booths for seven days to remember divine protection in the desert. In the haftarot⁽²⁾, in the messianic era, after the nations’ war against Israel, the prophet Zechariah announces that the peoples will gather to celebrate Sukkot in Jerusalem, while Ezekiel predicts that during these difficult times, Gog and Magog⁽³⁾ will attack Israel, but God will intervene to destroy them and restore peace in Israel.

Leviticus 23:42
בַּסֻּכֹּת תֵּשְׁבוּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים; כָּל-הָאֶזְרָח בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל יֵשְׁבוּ בַּסֻּכֹּת.
You shall live in booths for seven days;
all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths.

The Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris (M.A.H.J.) exhibits a painted softwood sukkah, dating from the mid-19th century. Composed of 37 numbered and decorated panels, including a view of Jerusalem, it was intended for a wealthy family from the Lake Constance region. This object represents a rare example of Jewish folk art. In 2018, a missing panel was acquired, restoring the work’s integrity 30 years after its entry into the museum’s collection.

⁽¹⁾ Photographs by Christophe Fouin, French photographer specializing in heritage and architecture.
(2) The Talmud Baba Batra 75a presents visions of the messianic era, highlighting the future glory of Jerusalem and the rewards of the righteous. It also references the prophecies of Zechariah and Ezekiel concerning the final battle and the redemption of Israel, as well as those of Isaiah (2:2-4).
⁽³⁾ Rashi, on Ezekiel 38:2, explains that Gog represents a leader, and Magog his people.

Yom Kippur
^{Leviticus 16:1-34, Leviticus 18:1-30, Isaiah 57:14 – 58:14, Book of Jonah 1:1 – 4:11, Micah 7:18-20}

The texts of Yom Kippur speak of repentance and divine mercy. Chapter 16 of Leviticus describes the ritual of the scapegoat, a symbol of atonement, chapter 18 addresses morality and holiness, while the text from Isaiah calls for repentance and social justice. The Book of Jonah illustrates that forgiveness is accessible to all, and Micah emphasizes God’s kindness towards those who repent.

Leviticus 16:30
כִּי-בַיּוֹם הַזֶּה יְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם, לְטַהֵר אֶתְכֶם: מִכֹּל, חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם, לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, תִּטְהָרוּ.
For on this day, atonement shall be made for you, to purify you; you shall be purified from all your sins before the Lord.

Disciple of Hillel⁽¹⁾, Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai⁽²⁾, one of the leading sages after the destruction of the Second Temple, founded the Sanhedrin⁽³⁾ of Yavneh. This assembly of 71 sages played a crucial role in preserving the Jewish tradition and developing religious practices. Rabbi Akiba⁽⁴⁾ studied at Yavneh under the influence of sages such as Rabbi Eliezer ben Hourcanos⁽⁵⁾ and Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hanania⁽⁶⁾, who were disciples of Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai.

Rabbi Akiba is credited with formalizing the Yom Kippur ritual, organizing the prayers, collective confessions, and the ritual of the Avoda⁽⁸⁾. Thanks to his work and that of other sages, Judaism adapted to the new realities of life, emphasizing the study of the Torah and prayer.

Archaeological excavations in Yavneh, led by teams from the Israel Antiquities Authority⁽⁹⁾ since the 2000s, have uncovered remnants from the Second Temple period. Among the discoveries are elements related to the Sanhedrin, such as inscriptions in Hebrew, ritual objects, and residential structures.

(1) Hillel HaZaken is a sage from the 1st century BCE. He founded one of the two main schools of Torah interpretation, Beit Hillel. He often opposed Shammai on issues of Halakha, and most legal decisions follow his opinions. As a nasi (president of the Sanhedrin), he is distinguished by his intelligence, humility, and open-mindedness.
(2) Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai is known for his key role in preserving Judaism and founded the Sanhedrin of Yavneh, where he established foundations for Halakha and the study of the Torah. He is known for his maxim: “Let your house be a gathering place for the sages” (Pirkei Avot 1:4).
(3) Tana’im (singular Tana) refers to the Jewish sages of the Second Temple period and the Mishnah (approximately 10-220 CE) who contributed to the transmission and teaching of the oral Torah.
(4) The Sanhedrin is an assembly composed of 71 members, including a president (nasi), a vice-president (av beit din), and 69 sages, responsible for judging and interpreting Jewish law. Initially, it met in the Temple in Jerusalem, before being transferred to Yavneh after the destruction of the Temple. This Sanhedrin is essential to the continuity of Jewish life and the interpretation of Jewish laws.
(5) Rabbi Akiba is a great sage and martyr of the 1st and 2nd centuries. Starting as a shepherd, he became an eminent Tana. Founder of an influential school, he is known for his interpretations of the Torah, which are often more lenient than those of Shammai, with most halakhic decisions following his views.
(6) Rabbi Eliezer ben Hourcanos is a Tana from the 1st century, known for his rigorous positions on Jewish law. He is a strict defender of oral tradition, often disagreeing with his contemporaries on halakhic matters.
(7) Rabbi Yehoshua ben Hanania is a Tana from the 1st century, known for his intellectual debates with Rabbi Eliezer ben Hourcanos, often adopting a more flexible and pragmatic approach in the interpretation of Jewish law.
(8) The Avoda refers to the ritual performed by the Cohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. Since the destruction of the Temple, this ritual allows the worshiper to identify with the Cohen Gadol, thereby emphasizing the importance of atonement and purification.
(9) AAI (Israel Antiquities Authority): A government agency established in 1960, responsible for the protection, study, and preservation of the country’s archaeological and cultural heritage.