November 28, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Vayetzei 5786 (2025) Genesis 28:10-32:3; Hosea 11:7-12:14. Vayetzei, the name of this Torah portion refers to Jacob leaving his family “and he left” – this is the story of Jacob escaping...
November 28, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen This month I visited the Holocaust Garden of Hope for the very first time in Houston, Texas. The location by lake is beautiful. We could hear birds singing and see the graceful pelicans. In the garden itself,...
November 26, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Toldot 5786 (2025) Genesis 25:19-25:28:9; Malachi 1:1-2:7. Toldot, the name of this Torah portion refers to the history or family chronicle told. This is the history of Isaac’s family. Twins in...
November 13, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Chayei Sarah 5786 (2025) Genesis 23:1-25:18; 1. Kings 1: 1-31. Chayei Sarah, the name of this Torah portion refers to Abraham’s wife and her days “Sarah’s Life.” The portion is...
October 31, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Vayeira 5786 (2025) Genesis 18:1-22:24; 2. Kings 4:1-37 Vayeira, the name of this Torah portion means that “He appeared”. The person this refers to is God Himself appearing at...
October 31, 2025 – Dr. Susanna Kokkonen Lech Lecha 5786 (2025) Genesis 12:1-17:27; Isaiah 40:27-41:16 Lech Lecha, the name of this Torah portion contains a powerful lesson. It refers to Abram’s call. This is a familiar story to...
