Plenty of Nothing

Categories: Parsha, Pekudei

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’ve got nothing. So this week I’m in a bit of a conundrum. There is lots going on from a Jewish perspective (we conclude the Book of Exodus, we are about a week away from Purim) and the Parsha – Pekudei – is pretty repetitious. A few weeks ago, Moses is commanded by… Read More

Make it Happen

Categories: Parsha, Vayakhel

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, contains the actual production of the Tabernacle. Yes, several weeks ago (Teruma) contained the exact instructions of how it should be done and this week contains the exact details of the Jewish people, directed by Moses, fulfilling those instructions. Why? The Torah does not include anything extra and can… Read More

Crushed

Categories: Ki Tisa, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha is a rough one. It should have been simply a purely positive and momentous event on the Jewish calendar – the giving of the Torah – with its culmination in Moses’s returning to them with the entire backstory if you will. Instead, what took place was a grave error and… Read More

A Glaring Omission

Categories: Parsha, Tetzaveh

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY You know how some things are famous for what they aren’t? Like an apology that isn’t really an apology – “I’m sorry for how that made you feel.”Or a speech that doesn’t mention by name the one thing that people were listening for? So this week’s Parsha -Tetzaveh – is one of those… Read More

Give and Take

Categories: Parsha, Terumah

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha – Terumah – contains a lesson truly crucial to us as an organization. The Parsha begins, “v’yikchu li Terumah,” which literally translates to mean, “And they shall take to Me (G-d) contributions.” I translate literally because this word is confusing. Take? Isn’t “give” the more accurate term? There must be… Read More

Support Friendship Circle

Financial donations are the most direct way to support Friendship Circle. Please consider making a donation to keep our Circle growing!

Donate

Recent blog posts

Cold Enough for You?

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Anyone cold yet? Perhaps a bit tired of this never-ending winter chill? This week’s Parsha – Va’era – is chock full of lessons. It contains the beginning of the Ten Plagues of Egypt and the beginning of the end of slavery. It always seems like it was G-d testing a variety of tortures… Read More

Read more

Weekly Roundup: January 24, 2025

FOTT Movie Night The second FOTT Movie Night was an absolute blast, filled with laughter, singing, and delicious snacks! The Movie Night Host Committee picked Descendants for the evening, and it was a perfect choice. A special shoutout to Tomas B. and Marissa T. for taking the stage during the first song and dazzling us with their amazing dance moves! The “Dude’s… Read More

Read more

Let’s Talk about Bushfires

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY There is so much to take from this week’s portion (Shemot) regarding leadership. Moses is chosen by G-d to lead the Jewish people during his encounter with the Burning Bush. Again, so many questions all around: Why a bush? Why wasn’t it being consumed? Why was Moses shepherding sheep altogether when he had… Read More

Read more