A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY So this week’s parsha is Bo and the Jewish people are in a pickle. (Sound familiar?) Slavery is unbearable and so are the plagues that God keep making worse for the Egyptians. These are tense times indeed. And so, when finally the tenth plague arrives and the Egyptians are completely fed up, Moses… Read More
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
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
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha – Vayechi – concludes the Book of Genesis. Upon its conclusion, the synagogue traditionally calls out in unison, “Chazak chazak venischazek!” This translates to mean, “Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened,” thus giving us a little inspiration and charge to move on into the next book, and… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayigash) concludes the story of Jacob’s sons. Joseph is formally reunited with his brothers as he reveals his true identity to them. They embrace and finally reconnect; Jacob is then given the news that Joseph lives as viceroy of Egypt and that he should come down to dwell there together… Read More
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DonateApril 11, 2025
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY While we technically start the holiday of Passover tomorrow night, this Shabbos, known as “Shabbat Hagadol,” the Great Shabbos, leads us right into the holiday. Because it’s a busy day, I’ll try to be as brief as possible. Passover celebrates the Jewish people’s liberation from Egypt. The Hebrew word from Egypt is “Mitzrayim,” which,… Read More
April 8, 2025
FOTT Trip April 2025 FOTT had another awesome trip this Sunday at Creative Reuse Pittsburgh! The day was filled with fun and innovation as members got hands-on with making shadow boxes and wooden sculptures using repurposed materials. Members also had the chance to tour the back of the building to see where the bulk of supplies are held. Michael Fox… Read More
April 4, 2025
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was assaulted. Wait, what? This week we begin the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, also known as Leviticus. The Parsha, as well as much of the entire book, surrounds the sacrifices that the Kohanim, the priests, would bring in the Temple in Jerusalem. Seemingly… Read More
