About this substack
This is my Weekly Parsha journal, an attempt to think about the themes of the weekly Torah portion and Jewish holidays, and how they provide insights for everyday life, emphasizing the Torah’s eternal relevance for Jews of all backgrounds.
About me:
Rabbi Eliezer Hirsch is spiritual leader and founding rabbi of Mekor Habracha, Center City Shul of Philadelphia.
In addition to leading Congregation Mekor Habracha, Rabbi Hirsch serves as Dean of Jewish philosophy at Genesis University, a distance learning college based in Suffern, NY.
Rabbi Hirsch received rabbinical ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, Maryland and Yeshiva Ohr Reuven in Monsey, NY. During his two decades of study in Yeshiva, he forged close relationships with prominent Rabbinic leaders and received years of training from renowned Halachic authorities.
In 2010, Rabbi Hirsch was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, a degenerative disorder with numerous symptoms and no current cure. Rabbi Hirsch has welcomed inquiries from individuals across the globe seeking Halachic and spiritual guidance to cope with significant personal hardships.
Recognizing that many people hunger for practical ways to conceptualize and fulfill their commitment to God and Torah, Rabbi Hirsch has written 3 books about Jewish holidays, in the hope that readers will renew their enthusiasm for these special days and enliven their engagement with Judaism year-round:
Pesach Without the Pain: A Practical Guide to the Laws and Practices of Passover
Bringing Order to the Seder: A Modern Guide to the Traditional Passover Haggadah
The Book of Life: A Transformative Guide to the High Holidays.
In his books, sermons, and classes, Rabbi Hirsch connects the lessons of the Torah and Jewish holidays with insights for everyday life, emphasizing the Torah’s eternal relevance for Jews of all backgrounds.