This week marks eleven months on the Hebrew calendar since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Eleven months is the traditional Jewish mourning period. This week’s Torah portion Ekev speaks of future disasters and destructions, many of which feel all too familiar today. This portion also describes the Children of Israel as a “stiff-necked people”. While this description often comes with negative connotations, Shmuel shares how being stiff-necked has anchored the Jewish people in their faith and traditions. Shabbat Shalom! Click here to watch on YouTube.