Ohr Somayach

Great Expectations: Parshat Re’eh

Two seemingly unconnected topics yield a valuable lesson when read together.

The Haunted Hotel: Parshat Vayishlach

Fake News: Parshat Vayeishev

Feel Their Pain: Parshat Shoftim/Elul

Give early and often.

The Taxi Driver: Parshat KI Teitzei

Are we honest in business?

Gotta Run: Parshat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Keep moving….

The Psychopath: Rosh Hashana

A memorable story from a summer long ago.

The Matchmaker: Yom Kippur

Grudges are very powerful.

Be My Guest: Sukkot

Make sure to share your sukkah.

G-d Has a Plan: Parshat Bereishit

We have to ask the right questions during difficult times like now. 

The Raven: Parshat Noach

Don’t get too comfortable.

Meet the Family: Parshat Lech Lecha

Ever notice what is so fascinating about Abraham’s household?

It’s Personal: Parshat Vayeira

They need our prayers.

Welcome Back: Parshat Chayei Sarah

Two inspiring return stories.

Don’t Forget Your Coat: Parshat Toldot

A lesson about sacrifice.

Climb the Mountain: Parshat Vayeitzei

Need a hero? Look in the mirror.

“I Will Fear No Man:” Parshat Vayishlach

Now is not the time to hide our Judaism.

Chanukah Spices

Something to think about while lighting the menorah.

Tiny but Mighty: Parshat Mikeitz

A King, a sword, a baby, and a lesson.

The Flamethrower: Parshat Vayigash

What can we learn from Joseph’s dramatic revelation of his true identity to his brothers?

Brothers: Parshat Shemot

An unforgettable visit to an Israeli army base.

Be Better: Parshat Va’eira

Were Moses and Aaron really equal?

Goodbye But Not Good Riddance: Parshat Bo

Everyone loves a good comeback story…..

Man’s Best Friend?: Parshat Beshalach

A dog story. And a lesson.

Is There a Doctor in the House?: Parshat Mishpatim

A shout out to some important people. 

Lessons of the Lost Ark: Parshat Terumah

Keep growing.

Battle Fatigue: Parshat Tetzaveh

We have to keep fighting.

Nothing but the Truth: Parshat Ki Tisa

Did he lie? And does it matter?

Great Idea: Parshat Vayakhel

Ideas are great. Actions are better. 

G-d Bless You: Parshat Pekudei

A Special. Blessing for You.

The Cold Side of the Pillow: Purim

Find the cold side of the pillow, then relax.

Representing the Jewish People: Parshat Tzav

With the entire world watching us now, every Jew is an ambassador.

Silence Is Golden: Parshat Shemini

It’s time for a time-out.

Weapons of Mass Devotion: Passover

Why did the Jewish people have to take weapons along when they left Egypt?

Say Something: Parshat Acharei Mot

The Jewish people are under attack. Don’t stay on the sidelines.

Work It Out: Parshat Kedoshim

Criticism is an art form, and an obligation.

Mercy: Parshat Emor

Lessons from the blasphemer.

Telltale Signs: Parshat Behar

How can you tell whether you really believe in G-d?

The Cheat Code: Parshat Bechukotai

Want to work fewer hours, with less aggravation?

The Unsafe Lane Change: Parshat Bamidbar

We have to always be aware of our surroundings.

Candy From a Baby: Parshat Beha’alotcha

We have to always look for mitzvah opportunities.

The Witty Staircase: Parshat Korach

Be sensitive.

Diet Dr. Pepper: Parshat Chukat

Why did Moses hit the rock?

The Fist Pump Seen Around the World: Parshat Balak

What does the Torah teach us about leadership?

Day In, Day Out: Parshat Pinchas

Stay tuned until the end for an incredible story….

Batter Up: Parshat Mattot-Masei

We have to step up to the plate when we are needed.

Who Will Live and Who Will Die?: Tisha B’Av

A meaningful Tisha B’Av story.

Prepare for Take-Off: Parshat Va’etchanan

Why did Moses ask to see the land of Israel after G-d told him he could not enter it?

Fear Factor: Parshat Eikev

G-d only asks us for one thing.

The Missing Laptop: Parshat Re’eh

When flying, always get to the airport gate early. But if you don’t, good things may still happen.

I’ll Walk You Out: Parshat Shoftim

Why is it so important to escort guests out after they visit?

Not All Superheroes Wear Capes: Parshat Ki Teitzei

Always be ready to help.

Today’s the Day: Parshat Ki Tavo

Any plans for today?

Same Day Delivery: Parshat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

We want it all, right now.

Just Ask: Rosh Hashana

2 stories for Rosh Hashana.

A Day Like Purim: Yom Kippur

What does my scary Purim costume have to do with Yom Kippur?

The Sukkot Mindset

What is the essence of the holiday of Sukkot?

Flood’s Over!: Parshat Noach

Why did Noah wait to leave the ark after he confirmed that the floodwaters had subsided?

Role Models: Parshat Vayeira

Who or what inspired Abraham to pray for the wicked residents of Sedom?

Awestruck: Parshat Chayei Sarah

Why do we need to be told exactly where Isaac and Rebecca met for the first time?

The Wake-up Call: Parshat Toldot

Why did G-d make sure that Jacob would have to resort to trickery in order to get the blessings of prosperity?

Forever Young: Parshat Vayeitzei

What is the secret to extending your life?