Thoughts on Shabbat Sukkot 5786
Jewish holidays follow two essential patterns.
Some are joyous celebrations, while others are more solemn. But all Jewish holidays do more than invite celebration—they also challenge us deeply.
Pesach challenges us in several ways, beginning with its strict eating restrictions: no chametz, no legumes, no
Rosh Hashanah, Day 1 – 5786
We gather today as a diverse community, bringing with us many perspectives on the times in which we live. For some, these are frightening days; for others, days filled with hope. I would describe our moment as one of interest—a time that is both turbulent and abundant, provoking reactions that are often diverse,
Thoughts on parashat Vayikra 5785.
Moshe was very bothered about the sin he committed, namely, that he didn’t wash his hands and didn’t say a blessing before he ate. So he decided to see his rabbi, to confess the sin hoping that it would make him feel better: “Rabbi, last week
Thoughts on parashat Vayakhel 5785.
When we get to the Torah portions that meticulously lay out all the details of how the Mishkan was built – who among us has not thought – WHY all these details? Because there is a profound meaning behind the details. As always, the devil (in this case God) is in the details.
Thoughts on parashat Ki Tisa 5785.
Last Wednesday, after a full day cooking at the synagogue for our Purim dinner, Rivkah, Joyce, Mike, and I decided to go out for dinner. But first, we had to stop by Joyce and Mike’s house, as they were eager to show us the incredible packages filled with homemade hamantaschen they
Thoughts on parashat Bo 5785
There is a talmudic story about a Rabbi who traveled to a foreign city, and asked a little boy what’s the best way to enter that city.
“Which is the road leading to the city?” asked Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya of a youngster sitting at a crossroads. “This is the shorter one,”
Thoughts on Parashat Vayechi (and Shemot) 5785
Once, a wise rabbi taught his students about the internal struggle within each person. He said, “Inside every one of us, there are two souls. One soul embodies our desires for anger, jealousy, and negativity. The other soul represents love, compassion, and hope. “
Thoughts on Parashat Vayigash 5785
A man, very advanced in his age, calls an insurance company and says that he wants to buy insurance. The agent says: “Good, very good, how old are you?” The man says: “I’m a hundred years old.” “100 hundred years old???” – replies the
Thoughts on parashat Re’eh.
A celebrated Orthodox rabbi gets to heaven and an angel takes him to a banquet that has been prepared in his honor. “We will serve you the most tender meat, the juiciest fish, and fragrant wine,” the angel tells him. “But who was the Mashgiach for this meal?” the rabbi asks.
Thoughts on Parashat Nasso.
Why do people need religion and what is it for? From the traditional, moral perspective the main goal of religion is to provide individuals with the fundamental distinction between good and evil, and to teach them what is right and what is wrong. Another goal of religion is to unite social
About Rabbi Cantor Menachem Mirski, Ph.D.
Rabbi Menachem Mirski was born and raised in Poland, where he was a musician, a scholar, and active in helping revive the Jewish community in Poland. While still in Poland, he trained and worked as a hazzan, leading weekly services. He is an accomplished musician, performing in the klezmer scene in Europe and America for well over a decade. At the same time, he earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland. His dissertation was on Jewish Theological Responses to the Holocaust.
Rabbi Mirski’s scholarly pursuits inspire his congregation to delve deeper into Jewish religious concepts and their faith. His passion lies in unlocking the timeless wisdom of Torah and traditional rabbinic teachings to tackle today’s cultural, philosophical, and social challenges. With his gentle and welcoming demeanor, Rabbi Mirski embodies a deep commitment to fostering a tight-knit community and nurturing genuine bonds.
Contact:
Menachem@MenachemMirski.com
(424) 522-9438
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