CHOCHMAS NASHIM: A FEW THOUGHTS By: Suri Davis   This week’s torah portion discusses several interesting topics.  In a discussion of the kohanim/priests preparing for service, they had to wash their hands and feet.  The Ohr Hachaim comments that the way this is written in Hebrew, we interpret that they have to be washed at…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: IF YOU BUILD IT… By: Suri Davis   Every year, when we approach the many Torah portions which discuss the building of the Tabernacle and its utensils and clothes of the priests, it means something else to me.  Last year, I had just seen the sophisticated relics of Mt. Vesuvius, an Italian volcano…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: AFTER 127 DAYS, TWO HOSTAGES RELEASED By: Suri Davis   The month of Adar is the month of Purim.  It is not only rejoicing for the two or three days of Purim, but for the entire month.  We learn from the Torah that for Sukkoth, we are to be happy, but for the…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: AD MASAI ADONAI? By: Suri Davis   The haftorah of this week’s Torah portion is an excerpt of Isaiah’s prophecy.  Isaiah and Moses both had language impediments and were reluctant leaders.  Let’s remember that Haftorahs came into our practice when it was impossible to read the Torah and is topically related to the…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: B’SHALACH: #EMUNAHGORERETEMUNAH By: Suri Davis   This is a consummate Torah of Faith and Trust in G-d, who saves us from enemies, provides us with food, clothing and shelter, and hearkens our prayers.  The Jews exit Egypt in last week’s torah portion.  They now approach the Red Sea and the Egyptians are chasing…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: BO: ALWAYS CONNECTED By: Suri Davis   27You fear not, O Jacob My servant, and be not dismayed, O Israel! for behold, I will redeem you from afar and your children from the land of their captivity, and Jacob shall return and be quiet and at ease, and there shall be none who…

CHOCHMAS NASHAIM:  PHARAOH BIDEN FORGETS JOSEPH ISRAEL By: Suri Davis   Starting the second book of the Pentateuch, Exodus, the book begins with “a new king arises on Egypt who didn’t know Joseph.”   Hmmm.  One might have thought if it was centuries, or even merely decades, later, the amnesia would make sense.  Joseph was…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: SETTING THE STAGE Suri Davis   In this week’s torah portion, Vayigash, we come to the apex of the Joseph story, the great reveal.  The ten tribes sold their younger brother into slavery, he ends up as viceroy to Pharaoh, the second most powerful man in the world.  By all rights, Joseph could…

CHOCHMAS NASHIM: ZOS CHANUKKAH: BASTARDIZATION OF COMMUNICATION Suri Davis   I have written before of two concepts which resonate with me.  One is Maimonides’ concept of what distinguishes man over other creations which is “adam midaber,” which literally means, man can speak.  One might say that all animals speak, why is man’s speech different, and…

THE LESSONS OF ISRAEL WAR ON ESTATE PLANNING FOR MINORS By: Lenore S. Davis, Esq. Lenoredavis.com   At the end of the year, many people like to get their financial affairs in order, with one eye to tax season.  While we are thousands of miles away from Israel, our heart is with Israel, and we…