Sharona Margolin Halickman, at The Blogs

Oct 8, 2024, 6:20 PM

We learn in the Mishna,Yoma 8:9: With regard to one who says: I will sin and then I will repent, I will sin and I will repent, Heaven does not provide him the opportunity to repent, and he will remain...

Sep 30, 2024, 4:24 AM

Is Rosh HaShana a Day of Repentance?

The Talmud, Rosh HaShana 18a asks: When are the times that God is available for an individual? The Gemara answers: Rabbah bar Ahuva said: The ten days between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Why is Rosh HaShana considered the first day of the...

Sep 23, 2024, 10:15 PM

Be Strong and Courageous!

In Dvarim 31:23, Moshe brings God’s message to Yehosha: Be strong and courageous for you will bring B’nai Yisrael to the Land that I have sworn to them, and I will be with you. In the Book of Yehoshua, in the...

Sep 17, 2024, 12:11 AM

Being happy during difficult times

Parshat Ki Tavo begins with the word “vehaya,” “When it happens that you come to the land that HaShem, your God, is giving you as territory, and you inherit it and settle it.” Ohr HaChayim explains that we are commanded...

Sep 9, 2024, 11:07 PM

Wiping out Amalek

In Parshat Ki Tetze, Dvarim 24:17-19, we are commanded to wipe out Amalek: Remember what Amalek perpetrated against you on the way when you left Egypt. When he chanced upon you en route, when you were tired and exhausted, striking...

Sep 2, 2024, 10:55 PM

What is the problem with the Ashera tree?

The Book of Dvarim emphasizes that B’nai Yisrael are supposed to uproot and destroy idol worship from the Land of Israel. In Parshat Shoftim, Dvarim 16:21, we read: Do not plant an Ashera (idolatrous tree) for yourself or any tree near...

Aug 25, 2024, 3:12 PM

Is settling Israel without joining the army viable?

In Parshat Re’eh, Dvarim 12:29 we read: When HaShem, your God, has cut down before you the nations that you are about to come to and dispossess, after you have dispossessed them and live in their land… According to the Malbim,...

Aug 22, 2024, 4:04 PM

Our strength in the Land of Israel

In Parshat Ekev, there is a fear that once B’nai Yisrael enter the Land of Israel and prosper, they will forget God, as we see in Dvarim 8:14-17: Your heart will become haughty and you will forget HaShem, your God,...

Aug 16, 2024, 1:19 AM

Hello to you, wonderful land!

In Parshat VaEtchanan, Dvarim 3:25, Moshe pleads with God: “Please, allow me to cross over and see the good land that is across from the Jordan, this good mountain and the Levanon.” God does not grant Moshe his wish to...

Aug 6, 2024, 11:35 PM

The Torah and Mitzvot of the Land of Israel

In the Book of Dvarim, B’nai Yisrael get ready to finally enter the Land of Israel with Yehoshua. Before they arrive, they need God’s guidance as to how they will live their national lives on their own land. Dvarim...

About Me

Sharona holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College and an MS in Jewish Education from Azrieli Graduate School, Yeshiva University. Sharona was the first Congregational Intern and Madricha Ruchanit at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, NY. After making aliya in 2004, Sharona founded Torat Reva Yerushalayim, a non profit organization based in Jerusalem which provides Torah study groups for students of all ages and backgrounds.