Shabbat Shalom from Shmuel!

There’s been a whole week to await the completion of the conversation between Jospeh and his brothers. Why did the portion stop in the middle of this exciting scene? This portion opens with a startling statement from Joseph declaring that he was sent to Egypt not by his brothers but by G-d. Joseph has been beset by misfortunes but is filled with recognition that he was an instrument for G-d all al...

Why didn’t Joseph’s brothers recognize him? His clothing disguised his identity, and the brothers were deceived by their own eyes. This thread of clothing and disguise is woven throughout the story of Jacob and his twelve sons. Find out why the Shema is prayed with covered eyes and why we must listen with pour ears and hearts. Join Shmuel for portion Miketz! Click here to watch on YouTube.

Happy Hanukkah! What does the Talmud tractate on Hanukkah have to do with the story of Joseph? Portion Vayeshev is read during Hanukkah, and this sheds some light on the holiday. Listen now for insight into the dry pit and the very soul of the Jewish people. Click here to watch on YouTube.

In Portion Vayishlach Jacob prepares to meet Esau with gifts, prayer, and potential combat. Why did the angel visit Jacob on the night before meeting his brother? Is this similar to meetings experienced by Joshua, Moses, and Bilaam? The angel helps Jacob accept that he is extraordinary and must step into his role as G-d’s chosen. So too must we struggle to fulfill our own callings. Join Shmuel for...

Welcome to Portion Vayetzei! This week Jacob is running from his brother. Though he gained both the birthright, and the blessing Jacob finds himself penniless and wandering though no man’s land. Yet Jacob remains hopeful. What is the connection between Jacob’s hope and the plight of the modern state of Israel? It is said that Jacob never reconciled the loss of his son Joseph. So, we too must await...

Join Shmuel for portion Toldot! This portion details the epic battle between brothers Esau and Jacob. Why shouldn’t Isaac choose his strong son Esau to succeed him? Jacob and Rebeccah certainly fooled Isaac with the “hands of Esau” but remained true to their nature with the “voice of Jacob”. All this and more in today’s episode. Click here to watch on YouTube.

Why are the Jewish people still connected to the city of Hebron? Sarah lived to be one hundred and twenty-seven; what does this number symbolize? The life and death of Sarah teaches us how to preserve our innocence, to struggle in our youth and to seek wisdom from those in their golden years. Join Shmuel for his insight into portion Chayei Sarah! Click here to watch on YouTube.

It’s time for portion Vayerah. Did Abraham understand the essence of the Torah? Why is hospitality so important? Enjoy another episode of Shabbat Shalom with Shmuel: Torah Portions from the Heartland. Click here to watch on YouTube.

What does it mean to be a “searching person”? Abraham was called-but did others hear that same call? Join Shmuel to learn about Abraham’s journey and the intimate connection the Jewish people have maintained with the land of Israel through their exile and return. Click here to watch on YouTube.

What are the “waters of Noah”? Noah faced enormous challenges and built an ark-but did he pray for his fellow man? Discover the connection between Noah, Abraham, and the Tower of Babel on this week’s episode! Click here to watch on YouTube.

Welcome to a new series: Shabbat Shalom from Shmuel! This week’s portion is Bereisheet: In the beginning. Why does the Torah open with this story? How does this portion relate to the land of Israel? David Ben-Gurion used what to assert the Jewish right to their homeland?! All this and more in today’s episode. Click here to watch on YouTube.