 by Rebbetzin Malkah
After G-d's creation was finished at the conclusion of six days, everything was in perfect balance. The seventh day represented the paragon of wholeness. The earth, nature, and humanity were in perfect relationship with their counterparts. When we ate from the Tree of Knowledge in Gan Eden with the wrong intention, we suddenly plunged ourselves into a world where we fail to understand anything in a pure and simple state. There would be no single pure moment or action. There was always a mixture of pain, or suffering, or sorrow which opposed the good in life. We would know the joy of bringing a child into the world, but not without the pain of labor. We would enjoy the fruit of the earth, but not without toil and tremendous work. We would witness a marriage ceremony, but not without the breaking of the glass and remembering our forlorn Jerusalem. We would strive to create the perfect energy source, but always find the means to produce it are far too costly or toxic. Once we were forced to leave Gan Eden, a place of plenty and goodness, we lost the ability to find anything in a pure and simple state.
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 by Rebbetzin Malkah(this commentary was written in response to hurricane Katrina.)
As we continue through Devarim, we see the bulk of the commandments are revisited again in this week's Parashat R'eh. The parasha begins by presenting the choice to follow the mitzvot and receive blessing. If we should choose not to, we are left open to the negative consequences. Given that the concept of blessing is presented to us first, there is no mistaking the way in which Hashem wishes us to be motivated. The Children of Yisrael have the incredible option to "have it all" and be the winners of a physically and spiritually rich land - all by simply adhering to the mitzvot laid out by Moshe.
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 by Rebbetzin Malkah
As I drive around to various locations throughout my week, I am stunned and sometimes exasperated by some of the housing prices. What drives some homes to be exceptionally more? Location, location. Want to live by a lake? See the mountains? Live in the perfect suburbia with everything you need? No problem. All you need to do is sign on the dotted line and hand over your salary - you can have it all. As we begin Sefer Devarim, we are witnessing Moshe as the first real estate broker in action for Eretz Yisrael.
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 By Rebbetzin Malkah
Each one of us has one. It doesn't matter how great or small we may be - we each possess some vehicle upon which we transport our desires in order to see their fruition. This week's parasha illuminates so much more than a talking donkey that transports Balaam and his wicked desires. The rabbis contend that this story of Balaam, as an allegory or prophetic vision, is its own book. Slated almost as a commercial break in the middle of Bamidbar, parasha Balak offers us deep insight into the human psyche and the inner workings of an unhealthy neshama. Taking a break from the troubles of Yisrael, it lays out the tragedy of a soul gone awry and shows us the power of speech, blessing and desire.
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Beit Hashofar is pleased to announce the opening of our new Lichtenstein Guest House and Beit Midrash. This new facility is conveniently located steps away from the synagogue and offers the comforts of home as well as an informal study space. Our Guest House is an optimal base for seeing the Northwest region or just to stay overnight on Shabbat while residing in a kosher environment. 
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On Tuesday nights many collect for coffee and in-depth Torah learning facilitated by our rabbi and enhanced through the open dialogue of those gathered. 
The Goal of T'nuat Noar Tsippor is the integration of each young person, post b'nei mitzvah age, fully into Judaism and Synagogue life. Our hope i...
