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Expertise and experience to helping your son or daughter prepare for the big day, to make it a positive and memorable experience that will help them grow. B'NAI MITZVOT Expert Tutoring and Training in Preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah JEWISH EDUCATION Guiding You On Every Step of the Way Get In Touch BAR MITZVAH Catered to Suit Your Needs Get In Touch Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Service CONTACT RABBI STEPHEN Looking for a Rabbi with profound insight? Call me today and learn more about how you can benefit from my services. Send Your details were sent successfully! Email: ModernRabbiShmuel@gmail.com Phone: 951-526-4012 Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Contact

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Let's make this wonderful event special and incorporate some Yiddishkeit! WEDDING OFFICIATION Traditional | Non-Traditional | Interfaith Weddings: Service MARRIAGE OFFICIATION Traditional | Non-traditional | Interfaith Get In Touch Interested in learning more about the different types of officiations I conduct? Call me today and make your next ceremony a meaningful occasion. Weddings: Portfolio CONTACT RABBI STEPHEN 11 Vista Toscana Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, CA 92532 USA ModernRabbiShmuel@gmail.com 951-526-4012 Send Your details were sent successfully! Weddings: Contact

At ModernRabbiShmuel, I officate at all Jewish Life Cycle Events including traditional and non-traditional, affiliated and non-affiliated, and Jewish and Interfaith. Personalized and meaningful services for lasting, beautiful memories. https://www.modernrabbistephen.com Top of Page Upcoming Events Shabbat Times Services New Blog Order My Book Videos My Story Subscribe Instagram Feed Upcoming Events Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Friday Evening Shabbat Ma'ariv Services מערב שבת Fri, Apr 11 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Saturday Morning Shabbat Shacharit Services שבת שחרית Sat, Apr 12 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates Religious School Sun, Apr 13 Zoom More info RSVP Segunda Seder Sun, Apr 13 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Second Seder Sun, Apr 13 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Multiple Dates In-Person Religious School Learning! Sun, May 04 Temple Sholom of Ontario More info RSVP Semi-Annual Congregation Meeting Sun, May 04 Ontario More info RSVP New Blog NewBlog Rabbi Shmuel's newsletter for week of 6 April 2025 Rabbi Stephen Epstein 1 day ago 7 min read 0 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת צַו / Parashat Tzav 5785 12 April 2025 / 14 Nisan 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein 5 days ago 5 min read 0 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Shmuel's newsletter for week of 30 March 2025 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Mar 30 6 min read 1 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked Parashat Vayikra 5785 פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּקְרָא (5 April 2025 / 7 Nisan 5785) Rabbi Stephen Epstein Mar 26 4 min read 15 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת פְקוּדֵי / Parashat Pekudei 5785 29 March 2025 / 29 Adar 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Mar 19 4 min read 5 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked D'var Torah for פָּרָשַׁת וַיַּקְהֵל Parashat Vayakhel 5785 22 March 2025 / 22 Adar 5785 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Mar 11 4 min read 11 0 comments 0 Post not marked as liked My Story LEARN ABOUT MY STORY Leading Our Community in Worship Get In Touch Ever since I was young, I discovered my strong faith in HaShem and the desire to pursue a life of service to others. As the most esteemed Rabbi in the southwest Riverside County area of Southern California, my religious service offerings were designed to suit everyone’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a certified Rabbi to officiate your next event, or simply want to gain more wisdom and learn about the Divine — I’m your number one source for all your religious needs. Call me today and see what I can do for you. Instagram Feed Instagram Feed Services Services Offered Rabbi Stephen S. Epstein A Modern Conservative Rabb i Baby Naming Bar & Bat Mitzvot Spiritual Counseling Individualized Torah Study Funerals & Memorials Conversions Weddings Videos All Videos All Categories Play Video Play Video 01:22:26 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Adult Hebrew Reading Course #7 (6 April 2025) Final session of our Adult Hebrew reading crash course by NJOP Play Video Play Video 01:22:25 Adult Hebrew Reading COurse_7 4_6_25 Play Video Play Video 07:23 Friday Night Sermon 4_4_25 Play Video Play Video 01:03:39 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Adult Hebrew Reading Course #6 (30 March 2025) Continuing our Hebrew Reading Crash Course Play Video Play Video 07:59 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Frdiay Night Sermon for 28 March 2025 Moshe Rabbeinu teaching us about full disclosure and transperancy Play Video Play Video 10:41 Rabbi Stephen Epstein (Rav Shmuel) Parashat Vayikra 5785 (5 April 2025 / 7 Nisan 5785) The "Presence" of Hashem; Now that we've built the Tabernacle...; Ways to atone vs. today. Load More Videos Order My Book Subscribe Subscribe Stay up to date Submit Shabbat Times

To test this feature, visit your live site. Categories All Posts My Posts Forum Explore your forum below to see what you can do, or head to Settings to start managing your Categories. Create New Post General Discussions Share stories, ideas, pictures and more! subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 3 Follow Israel Media Media that gives an accurate and true story of what's happening in Israel subcategory-list-item.views subcategory-list-item.posts 11 Follow New Posts Gene Trosper Sep 03, 2021 Conversion question: acceptable activities? General Discussions When seeking conversion what is and is not acceptable? I know some say that non-Jews cannot fully participate in Shabbat, while others are less stringent. How would this apply to Sukkot or other observances? Speaking for myself, there is the desire to act, but on the other hand, there is a hesitancy for fear of doing something prohibited or "pretending" to be someone you are not by virtue of being a non-Jew doing "Jewish things." Due to a variety of viewpoints/approaches on this matter, I'm looking for clarification. Like 2 comments 2 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jun 07, 2021 I Worked on the Abraham Accords. It's Time to Free the Palestinians from Hamas—and Iran | Opinion Israel Media DR. ALI AL NUAIMI , CHAIRMAN OF THE DEFENSE AFFAIRS, INTERIOR AND FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE UAE'S FEDERAL NATIONAL COUNCIL ON 6/7/21 AT 12:06 PM EDT https://www.newsweek.com/i-helped-broker-abraham-accords-its-time-free-palestinians-hamas-iran-opinion-1598198 Last August, we entered a new era: A 70-year stalemate was exchanged for an era of greater coexistence. The signing of the Abraham Accords between the United Arab Emirates and Israel that I helped broker was a bold, courageous move which promised to finally make progress where everything else had failed. After the recent conflict with Gaza, though, many thought the Abraham Accords was dead. Where was the promised peace, with rockets flying? To these skeptics, I would say, look at the bigger picture. The Abraham Accords are not about an Emirati and Israeli future but the whole region's future. The truth is, the Middle East conflict isn't between the Israelis and Palestinians but between Israel and Iran. Ask yourself who benefits from this conflict? The Palestinian people's rights and hopes have been hijacked by Hamas to serve an Iranian agenda. And it is against Iran's extremism that we must continue to fight. When the UAE leadership decided to move forward with the Abraham Accords, it was done with a strategic vision not only for the UAE but for the whole region. Skeptics thought the agreement was tied to the Trump administration, as if it might just fade away with the new administration. But there is no going back. We move forward with full speed and have already seen the added value of having such initiatives, not only for the UAE and Israel but for the whole region. Since the announcement of the Abraham Accords, we have seen that we can build bridges of trust and respect. We in the UAE had laid the foundations; we had already changed the education system and the narrative of the religious figures, readying our people for the path to peace. But it's not just about us. The people of the region are craving change, not least among them the Palestinian people, who are desperate for fresh leaders, leaders who can move beyond a rigid regime with an agenda that abuses the very people it rules. For this to happen, we also have to fight the war of propaganda—one that the Israelis lost in this last round of fighting between Israel and Hamas. I saw narratives coming from not only the Middle East but the West too, which represented a shift. One of the biggest errors in this narrative, which I saw repeated over and over in the media, was the way they speak about Gaza as if it's occupied by the Israelis. It's not: It's occupied by Hamas. And the Palestinian people in Gaza are suffering because of Hamas, not the Israelis. Unfortunately, though the propaganda of Hamas and Iran is not true, to the world, it is now dominant. Still, there is reason for hope. Twenty years ago, the Palestinian cause was priority number one in the region. Now, people in the Gulf see things differently. We still care. We still support support the Palestinians. We believe in the two-state solution. But people in the Gulf no longer believe that this should come at the expense of our national interest. Many activists responded to Hamas- and Jihad- influenced media and social media posts to say, we do care about the Palestinians—but we don't care about these terrorist organizations. What the public doesn't understand is who is behind so much of the media they read—who is funding this misguided narrative, which only serves to protect Hamas, and ultimately, Iran. This past conflict with Gaza should be the last war. We should all learn to speak one language: the language of peace. Now is the time to not just talk the talk, but for us all to walk the walk. Hamas and the Palestinian leadership have hijacked the minds of 2 million Palestinians to sell their political and terrorist agendas. We want the Palestinian people to enjoy what we enjoy, to have what we have and create a better future for a new generation. But we have to do this together, with all the stakeholders in the region, from NGOs to schools, religious leaders and governments. We cannot do this alone. Dr. Ali al Nuaimi is chairman of the Defense Affairs, Interior and Foreign Relations Committee of the UAE's Federal National Council, a representative legislature whose 40 members, half elected indirectly and half appointed, serve in an advisory role to the emirates' leadership. Like 0 comments 0 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jun 01, 2021 Bill Maher: Hamas negotiation demands are, 'You all die' Israel Media https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/307095 https://www.jta.org/quick-reads/bill-maher-defends-israel-on-his-hbo-show-you-cant-learn-history-from-instagram Comedian Bill Maher hits back after Israel is accused of 'apartheid,' 'war crimes.' 'Hamas's charter just says they want to wipe out Israel.' https://youtu.be/qONHQ_ePIB4 https://youtu.be/4wFQB-oeKGs https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=306607757763548 https://youtu.be/YIbXJsgKU3Q Comedian Bill Maher REUTERS/Danny Moloshok "Real Time" host Bill Maher on Friday night defended Israel's actions during the recent Operation Guardian of the Walls, Fox News reported. "One of the frustrations I had while I was off is that I was watching this war go on in Israel … and it was frustrating to me because there was no one on liberal media to defend Israel, really," Maher, 65, said at a panel discussion. "We've become this country now that we're kind of one-sided on this issue. And I'd also like to say off the bat I don't think kids understand -- and when I say kids I mean the younger generations – you can't learn history from Instagram. "There's just not enough space." Responding to The New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof's claim that Israel committed "possible war crimes," Maher said: "Well, Gaza fired 4,000 rockets into Israel. What would you say Israel should have done instead of what they did?" Hamas, Maher pointed out, "purposely put the rockets in civilian places. That's their strategy." Maher also added that, "The Jews have been in that area of the world since about 1200 B.C., way before the first Muslim or Arab walked the earth." "I mean, Jerusalem was their capital. So if it's who got there first, it's not even close. The Jews were the ones who were occupied by everybody; the Romans took over at some point and then the Persians and the Byzantines and then the Ottomans. So yes, there was colonization going on there. Beginning in the 19th century, they started to return to Palestine, which was never an Arab country. There was never a country called Palestine that was a distinct Arab country." According to Fox News, Maher then pointed out that under the proposed 1947 plan, the Arabs would have had a "good part of the country," calling the Arabs "the people who rejected the half a loaf and continue to attack." "Hamas's charter says they just want to wipe out Israel. Their negotiation position is 'You all die.' The two-state solution has been on the table a number of times. There could be an Arab capital in East Jerusalem now if Yasser Arafat had accepted that in 2003. He did not. "I mean, they have rejected this and went to war time and time again," he emphasized, "And, you know, as far as Gaza goes, it's amazing to me that the progressives think that they're being progressive by taking that side of it, the Bella Hadids of the world, these influencers. "I just want to say in February of this year, a Hamas court ruled that a unmarried woman cannot travel in Gaza without the permission of a male guardian. Really? That's where the progressives are? Bella Hadid and her friends would run screaming to Tel Aviv if they had to live in Gaza for one day." Maher also noted that neither Britain nor Holland had any claim to South Africa, while in Israel the situation is different, Fox News said. "The Israelis, they have made mistakes, but it's an ‘apartheid’ state because they keep getting attacked! If they don't keep a tight lid on this s---, they get killed! That seems like something different!" he said. Like 0 comments 0 Forum - Frameless

As a modern rabbi, I apply classic, traditional Jewish principles to modern times, focusing on spiritual inspiration. Background RABBI August 2020 - Present Rabbi Temple Sholom of Ontario , Ontario, CA Serving as the religious leader of this Conservative synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The beginning of my practice was during the COVID epidemic. I continue to lead my congregation in the midst of the worst anitsemitism since the Holocaust. I led services mostly via Zoom. As the membership had shrunk over the years, I worked to ke ep the synagogue engaged w ith activities and growing. I organized and teach weekly Hebrew school on Sundays via Zoom with an in-person class of activities one Sunday each month. I conduct B’nai Mitzvot training and now conduct live services each Shabbat. I have conducted the Miller Course , Introduction to Judaism once or twice a year, and arrange conversion ceremonies with the local Rabbinical Assembly members at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. I have participated in events with other local synagogues and am active in community outreach, giving invocations at various local government functions. In conducting live services, I read directly from Torah and usually chant the Haftorah. I also officiate at wedding ceremonies, many of which were "mixed" and interfaith, and funerals for both congregants and non-congregants. This past High Holidays, I also served as cantor for Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur using the appropriate nusach. Ordained Rabbi Independent Congregation/"Shteibel" Lake Elsinore, CA September 2019 – August 2020 Leading independent, non-affiliated Conservative congregation. Conducting High Holiday and Shabbat services. Serving the community conducting Life Events for affiliated and non-affiliated, traditional and inter-faith couples. Ordained Rabbi Congregation B’nai Chaim Murrieta, CA July, 2017 – August, 2019 Lay Rabbi/Religious Leader Congregation B’nai Chaim Murrieta, CA July, 2014 – June, 2017 Conducting regular Friday night and Saturday morning services for Conservative Congregation. Services are accompanied by my guitar playing which has lead to other congregants accompanying me playing violin and guitar as well. I officiate Family Services once a month in which our students from our school lead the service. Leading High Holiday services chanting appropriate nusach. Conduct holiday services that fall on New Moon and other holidays. Able to read directly from Torah scroll. Familiarity with both Torah and Haftorah cantillations. Trained four adults in Hebrew and Torah chanting for first all-adult B’nai Mitzvot conducted for Saturday Shabbat Mincha-Ma’ariv. Have trained numerous B’nai Mitzvot for both traditional Haftorah and Maftir Torah. Taught Hebrew and Prayers & Torah Classes for Adults. Currently teaching Hebrew school class for B’nai Mitzvot students. Have organized many events for synagogue including NJOP’s Shabbat Across America 2019 with Rebbetzin. Active in fund raising for the synagogue. Since I became rabbi two years ago, membership has more than doubled. -Continuously studying Artscroll (Orthodox) and Soncino (Conservative) Chumashes. -Studying Talmud for 15 years as part of “Daf Yomi” program using the Artscroll Talmud Series -Studied Kabbalah reading Zohar edited by David Matt -Consistently pray all three services daily including tefillin during secular mornings. PART OF "BEIT DIN"/RABBINICAL TEAM September 2007 – June 2012 Canyon Lake, CA Co-lead lay congregation for "Conservadox" congregation. Participated in leading Shabbat and High Holiday services, including reading Torah and Haftorah. Also conducted periodic Sunday morning themed Talmud studies on various topics such as the Role of Women in Judaism and Astrology. CONGREGATION MEMBER J une 1999 - June 2007 Murrieta, CA Served on board for seven years including President of the congregation for two years. Also assisted rabbi’s in conducting services and substituting during their absences. Conducted Torah study for adults. Instituted and led once-a-month Shabbat Shachrit junior congregation. PSYCHIATRIC TECHNICIAN February, 1986 -December, 1991 Served on Nursing staff of psychiatric facility. Individual and group counseling activities; assistant charge nurse. Worked with variety of demographics: adolescent behavior and chemical dependency; adult chemical dependency; eating disorders; personality disorders including multiple personality disorders; psychotic and delusional disorders. EDUCATION Rabbinical Ordination, Rabbinical Seminary International, New York, NY June 2017 MBA, Business Management University of Redlands, Redlands, CA BA, Psychology State University of New York, College at Oswego AS, Psychiatric Technology Saddleback Community College, Mission Viejo, CA

All Posts Torah Commentary Sermons Replay of Live Stream Services Search Rabbi Stephen Epstein 23 hours ago 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (March 6, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Purim -Magilla Reading -Adult... 0 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein 3 days ago 5 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 March 2023): Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת כִּי תִשָּׂא 11 March 2023 / 18 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/geZ8v9M1flo Parashat Ki Tisa is the 21st... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein 7 days ago 3 min What is antisemitism? Working definition of antisemitism About the IHRA non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism The IHRA is the only... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 26 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 27, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 24 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 March 2023): Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תְּצַוֶּה 4 March 2023 / 11 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/xoIIBtuhoA4 Parashat Tetzaveh is the 20th... 9 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 20 5 min Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter? https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/did-god-write-the-torah-and-does-it-matter/?utm_source=mjl_maropost&utm_campaign=MJL&utm_medium=... 5 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 19 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 20, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -President's Day -Rosh Chodesh... 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 17 3 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (25 February 2023): Parashat Terumah 5783 Parashat Terumah 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת תְּרוּמָה 25 February 2023 / 4 Adar 5783 https://youtu.be/3hcQIxIh1Nk Parashat Terumah is the 19th... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 12 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 13, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 1 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 10 4 min 9 Things You Didn’t Know About Shabbat Shabbat Surprising facts about the weekly Jewish day of rest. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING SHABBAT Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest, is so... 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 10 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (18 February 2023): Parashat Mishpatim 5783 https://youtu.be/M8HIpSPTeA8 Parashat Mishpatim 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת מִּשְׁפָּטִים 18 February 2023 / 27 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Mishpatim is... 5 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 5 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 6, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Tu B'Shevat -Adult Torah... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 3 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 February 2023): Parashat Yitro 5783 https://youtu.be/NTa5Z2h8mlY Parashat Yitro 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת יִתְרוֹ 11 February 2023 / 20 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Yitro is the 17th weekly... 6 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Feb 3 3 min Tu Bishvat 101 The "birthday of the trees" is a time for seders, tree-planting and more. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/... 1 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 30 2 min What is the Star of David? This common symbol for Judaism and Israel is newer than one might think. BY MY JEWISH LEARNING The six-pointed Star of David is a common... 3 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 29 6 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (January 30, 2023) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 4 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 27 4 min This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 February 2023): Parashat Beshalach 5783 https://youtu.be/xxNirKTmkcw Parashat Beshalach 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּשַׁלַּח 4 February 2023 / 13 Sh'vat 5783 Parashat Beshalach is the... 4 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 25 4 min Woman of Valor MyJewishLearning-Woman of Valor This chapter from the Book of Proverbs can be read as a roadmap to happiness. BY SARA ESTHER CRISPE What... 8 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 23 6 min The Eight Genders in the Talmud https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-eight-genders-in-the-talmud/?utm_source=mjl_maropost&utm_campaign=MJL&utm_medium=email... 18 0 Post not marked as liked Rabbi Stephen Epstein Jan 22 5 min Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (January 23, 2022) -Announcements -Candle Lighting Times for Shabbat (Ontario, CA) -Office Hours -This week’s 10-Minute Torah -Adult Torah Study -Judaic... 2 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (March 6, 2023) 0 0 Post not marked as liked This week's 10-Minute Torah (11 March 2023): Parashat Ki Tisa 5783 2 0 Post not marked as liked What is antisemitism? 3 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 27, 2023) 3 0 Post not marked as liked This week's 10-Minute Torah (4 March 2023): Parashat Tetzaveh 5783 9 0 Post not marked as liked Did God Write the Torah — and Does it Matter? 5 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 20, 2023) 2 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 This week's 10-Minute Torah (25 February 2023): Parashat Terumah 5783 3 0 Post not marked as liked Shabbat Shalom שבת שלום (February 13, 2023) 1 0 Post not marked as liked