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From the Rabbi's Desk
Vayechi
Vayechi, brings us to the close of Bereshit, the close of the saga of the Abrahamic family. As with Chaye Sarah, the mention of the life of Sarah, and now the life of Ya’akov, the word life is notice of imminent death. Even as these days are lengthening, minute by minute, we sense the renewal […]
News
Well Done, Jack!
Congratulations to Kolot Mayim’s Jack Shalinsky, who, over the weekend was presented with a certificate in recognition of his 17 years of service on the board of Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island. Presenting him with the certificate is KM’s Aaron Devor.
Uncategorized
Naso
Shalom Aleichem, Many years ago, one of my students celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with Parashat Naso. I remember his reading of Torah as if it were this morning. M. was called to Torah, and all of us – the rabbi, his parents and me, his teacher and gabbai sheini, leaned in to help as needed […]
Emor
Recently I attended a workshop on the Jewish soul, led by one of our esteemed congregants, Dr. Elior Kinarthy. After Elior provided descriptions of the reality of the soul, he invited us into a guided meditation, a visualization of our soul. My role was primarily that of time-keeper, but I joined the group as we […]
Shemot
January 4, 2026
This week we begin the Book of Shemot, the book of Names, most commonly known as Exodus. We read about a new king, a king who did not know Joseph. The new king has a warning to the Egyptians, “…this people the Children of Israel, are more numerous and stronger than we.” It is hard […]