Michael Barclay
Eikev - Actions Lead to Consequences
“Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz?” — Janis Joplin Why don’t we always get what we want from God, and why does God even allow...
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Michael Barclay
Jul 23, 2021
V’etchanan - Never Forget
A great deal of the Book of Deuteronomy is a recapitulation of the Hebrews’ journey into freedom through the speeches of Moses.
Michael Barclay
Jul 15, 2021
Tisha b’Av - Turning Darkness Into Light
This Saturday night begins the holy day of Tisha b’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av…the saddest day in the Jewish calendar.
Michael Barclay
Jul 8, 2021
Matot/Masei - Our Word is Our Bond
Although there are 54 Torah portions, there are only 50 or 51 Shabbats per year, and that doesn’t count those Shabbats that have special...
Michael Barclay
Jul 2, 2021
Pinchas, Passion, and a Hope for the Future
This week’s Torah reading of Pinchas (Num. 25:10-30:1) begins with a teaching about a value that is not only a requirement for Jewish...
Michael Barclay
Jun 24, 2021
Balak - Selling Curses and Buying Blessings
“It’s not selling out, it’s called making lots of money”---Mick Jagger This week’s Torah portion of Balak (Num. 22:2-25:9) is in some...
Michael Barclay
Jun 17, 2021
Chukat - Because I Say So
“This is the decree [chukat] of the Torah” (Numbers 19:2). Isn’t it amazing how, as we get older, our parents seem to become wise? It is...
Michael Barclay
Jun 11, 2021
Korah: True Leadership
(The following teaching is in honor of the marriage of Shahab and Jessica Shaolian, may they always be blessed with all that is good in...
Michael Barclay
May 12, 2021
The Wilderness & The Wedding
Many of our Sages from RaMBaM to Rebbe Schneerson recommended viewing current events through a filter of understanding the Torah portion...
Michael Barclay
Nov 20, 2020
Toldot - Teach Our Children Well
As I am the father of twin sons, this week’s Torah portion of Toldot, where we learn of the birth of twins Jacob and Esau, has a special...
Michael Barclay
Oct 25, 2020
Should Jews Celebrate Halloween?
Chevre As we all know, these are challenging times on many levels. On the one hand, it is difficult for people to stay connected to any...
Michael Barclay
Oct 15, 2020
Torah Talk – Bereshit: Beginning Again
It happens every year. People come to services for Rosh HaShana, and remember how meaningful Judaism can be in their lives. They fast...
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