January 14, 2025

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Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

Articles by Rabbi Neil N. Winkler

‘Ud Mutzal Me’esh’

Parashat Vayeishev, Shabbat Chanukah This year we observe the only Shabbat Chanukah on Parashat Vayeishev and not Parshat Miketz—something that occurs only 10% of the

Eisav: A Symbol and a Lesson

Parashat Vayishlach So….when did we start reading the haftarah; that is, during which historical period did the custom of reading a selection from the Neviim

Returning to God and to Each Other

Parshat Vayeitzei Sefer Hoshea, the first book of the Trei Asar, the 12 “minor” prophets, is a collection of prophecies replete with condemnation and criticism

Acceptance Over Rejection

When discussing this week’s haftarah, we generally focus upon the opening pesukim that open this final book (as usually understood) of the Tanach. As the

Two Versions of One Story

The rather well-known Haftarah that we read this Shabbat is taken from the very first perek of Sefer Melachim and describes the final days of

Using God’s Gifts

Parshat Vayera The haftarah selection for this week’s parsha is based upon the stories of Elisha and two righteous women whose sufferings (poverty/barrenness) were relieved

Avraham, Sarah and God’s Mission

This week’s haftorah is taken from the 40th perek of Sefer Yeshayahu, a perek familiar to most of us—the chapter that begins with Hashem’s cry

A New Beginning

Parshat Noach The selection of perakim 54-55, in sefer Yeshayahu, for this week’s haftarah seems to be a rather obvious one. These chapters are found

David, Melech Yisrael, Chai V’Kayam!

“VaYomer lo Yehonatan ‘Machar Chodesh’…” The opening words of this week’s haftarah, now a commonly used phrase for Shabbat Erev Rosh Chodesh, are taken from

A Booth or a Cloud?

Chag HaSukkot The very essence of Chag HaSukkot is the mitzvah of dwelling in this temporary “hut,” for—by doing so—we would remind future generations of

The Return of Israel … and of God

Parshat Haazinu As is true with Shabbat parashat Devarim (“Chazon”) and Shabbat parshat Vaetchanan (“Nachamu”), the first word of this week’s haftarah also lends its

A Geula of Tranquility

Rosh Hashanah II In general, when we recall the haftarot of Rosh Hashanah, we generally think back to the reading from the beginning of sefer