EMUNA: Where do stones come from?
One of the names by which we call HaShem is TSUR (צור). This name or attribute of God appears many times in the Tora...
Rabbi Emanuel Abohab (1555-1628) and the Jewish “Mental Law”
Rabbi Emanuel Abohab was born in the city of Porto, Portugal, in 1555. He was the great-grandson of the famous rabbi Isaac Abohab, also...
Rabbi Shelomo ibn Verga (ca. 1460-1540) and “La vara de Yehuda”
Shelomo Ibn Verga was a rabbi, an historian, an astronomer and a famous physician. He was born in Spain (probably Sevilla) in 1460. He...
SHABBAT: Having guests and parenting, by Coty Bitton
This Friday you can feel a sense of excitement at our home. My husband told me that this Shabbat we are hosting a group...
BIRKAT HAGOMEL: Differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi traditions
As explained before, the blessing haGomel is recited as a public expression of gratitude to God.
HaGomel therefore, should be said in the presence of...
Rabbi Yosef Albo (1380-1444) and the Disputation of Tortosa
Rabbi Albo's was born in Monreal del Campo, a town in Aragon, Spain. He was the student of the famous Sephardic rabbi and philosopher...
BIRKAT HAGOMEL: Understanding the “blessings”
A "Berakha" is a statement, a formula by which we bless God. First, we need to clarify what does it mean to "bless God"...
EMUNA: The name of HaShem
There are several names by which we refer to HaShem (=God). The most prominent name is A-M-O-N-A-Y (reading D for the M). As you...
PARENTING and the blessing of Shabbat, by Coty Bitton
We, parents, know very well what is the appropriate groundwork for a positive and loving relationship with our children. Personal attention. Listen to what...
Rabbi Isaac Canpanton (1360-1463)
Rabbi Isaac Canpanton was born in Castilla, Spain (probably in Zamora) in 1360. Rabbi Canpanton was known as "The Gaon of Castilla". He witnessed...
