Sheets
Filter
SHABBAT CHANUKAH – Maoz Tzur and Spiritual Resistance: From Gaza to SydneyMaoz Tzur is our anthem of spiritual resilience, uniting Jews from Gaza to Sydney and across centuries. It tells a meta-narrative of crisis and redemption, affirming our faith even in the darkest of times. Like the hostages in the tunnels, we channel this light today.
CHANUKAH / PARSHAT VAYESHEV - Seeing Our Brothers’ and Sisters' PlightChanukah lights must be visible, teaching that spiritual illumination depends on being seen. Chazal link this to Yosef’s pit to show that light & brotherhood are intertwined. True spiritual light & dispelling societal darkness requires that we truly see & care for one another.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT VAYISHLACH - Confrontation and RedemptionR. Soloveitchik taught that Vayishlach reveals the Jew’s destiny: confronting known foes like Esav & hidden enemies like the nameless attacker. The haftara promises that despite pain & persecution, Israel will ultimately endure & justice will prevail.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT VAYETZE - The Divergence of Traditions in Selecting a HaftaraThe two traditions for Haftarat Vayetze highlight different facets of Yaakov’s life: Sephardim focus on struggle & integrity, Ashkenazim on loyalty & gratitude. Both invite reflection on how our choices shape our moral path. Yaakov’s complexities mirror our own.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT TOLDOT - Yaakov and Esav, Shoulder to ShoulderThe ancient Yaakov–Esav rivalry in the haftara presaged Jewish–X-ian tensions. Israel's founding shattered the 2,000-year X-ian supersession narrative, signaling a shift toward respect & partnership, as Rambam foresaw Christianity paving the way for global unity in serving God.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH - Leadership and FamilyTens of thousands visit Avraham & Sarah's burial site, a symbol of their enduring legacy built on a balance between communal leadership & family devotion. Avraham proactively nurtured both, guaranteeing his legacy's endurance.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT VAYERA - Loyalty to God and FamilyThe parsha and haftara both center on promised and nearly lost children, teaching that devotion to God and love of family are not opposing values. True faith means serving God through our families.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT LECH LECHA - Three Engines of DestinyThe haftarah’s “man from the east” symbolizes three forces of redemption: Avraham’s moral leadership, Cyrus’s political support and the Messiah’s divine guidance. Together they show that redemption unfolds through faith, righteous action, and God’s unseen hand in history.
NOACH - Sprouting from the AshesAfter witnessing total destruction, Noach’s despair and drunkenness reflect the human urge to escape pain. Yet God’s call—to rebuild and rejoice—reminds us that healing begins with faith and courage. Even after devastation, we are commanded to hope, rebuild, and believe again.
BERESHIET - A New Beginning Built on Unity and OpportunityOpening the Torah anew (Bereshiet) after loss requires a mindset of unity and partnership. The letter Bet, which starts the Torah, signifies beyachad (togetherness), essential for creation's endurance. Alef, symbolizing individualism (ani), leads to curse.
SUKKOT - Finding Peace in a Fragile SukkahTrue security is a Divine-human partnership. Sukkot reminds us that peace is elusive, yet by embracing vulnerability and faith (God's control) alongside active human effort (building the sukkah and service), we find courage and create a Z'man Simchateinu.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT HAAZINU - God’s Strength in Our HandsDavid’s song in the haftarah for Haazinu shows the partnership bet. human effort & divine aid. Like David, we must act boldly while trusting God’s power. Resilience, courage & initiative, whether in war or daily struggles, are strengthened by recognizing this synergy.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT VAYELECH-SHABBAT SHUVA: To Serve or to StumbleHoshea reminds us: God’s ways are life for the righteous but stumbling blocks for those who twist Torah to evade duty. In an age of sacrifice and defense, the Torah demands responsibility. True teshuva means fidelity, courage, and love for all Am Yisrael.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT NITZAVIM - Dressed for RedemptionYeshayahu uses clothing as a mashal for righteousness and redemption: just as garments protect and express us, so, too, our actions weave our soul’s attire. As we stand before God on Yom HaDin, we must ensure that our spiritual clothing is adorned with ma'asim tovim.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT KI TAVO - Redemption In Its Time, and In an InstantIsaiah promises redemption “in its time”, yet also hastened.” Which is it? The Talmud resolves: if Israel merits, it will come swiftly; if not, at its set hour. Our duty is to live with hope and readiness, striving through our deeds to tip the scales the bring the Geulah.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT KI TETZE - The Order of ConsolationIs there a logical order connecting the seven haftarot of consolation read over the Shabbatot following Tisha B’av one that traces a progression of ideas? Commentators throughout the ages have offered various suggestions. In this essay, we explore two compelling theories.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•126 Views•September 2, 2025•Prophecies of Consolation,Shiva d'Nechemta,Isaiah,Ki Teitze
HAFTARAT PARSHAT DEVARIM - Tisha B'Av: From Grief to EmpowermentHow can we move from being immersed in the sadness of the moment of Tisha B'Av and find the courage to be part of the process of picking ourselves back up and transforming the current reality in our personal, communal or national life? This process begins with a look inward.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•159 Views•July 29, 2025•Parashat Devarim,Tisha B'Av,Jeremiah,Shabbat Chazon,Yirmiyahu
HAFTARAT PARASHOT MATOT-MASEI - Spiritual Leaders Staying in their LanesWe must seek out and cultivate modern spiritual leaders who understand the roles of the Kohen and the Navi – who can convey the beauty of the rituals, and who can also communicate the deeper significance that these practices are meant to embody for us in every age.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT PINCHAS - Engaging with the DiasporaUsually linked to the parsha, the next 12 weeks of Haftarot deviate. Rambam's writings reflect how diaspora Jews adopted special readings, mirroring today's Israel-Diaspora unity through shared experiences.
HAFTARAT PARSHAT BALAK - Vulnerability, Struggle, and VictoryHaftarat Parshat Balak speaks to Israel's vulnerability, divine dependence, and miraculous triumphs amidst enemies while foreseeing a future free of war, and urges combating modern idolatry—especially hubris—and upholding justice, kindness & humility as Israel's core mission.
