A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayishlach) concludes Jacob’s time with his “dear” brother-in-law Laban, having amassed a large family, cattle, wealth and an overall sense of maturity. The portion begins with Jacob meeting his brother Esau for the first time since fleeing him two Parshas ago; he’s heard that Esau is bringing 400 soldiers to… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Parshat Vayeitzei, this week’s Parsha, contains so much drama and, in typical fashion, so many lessons. Jacob is fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau and seeks refuge with his uncle Laban. Laban has two daughters, an older one named Leah and a younger one, Rochel, whom Jacob wants to marry. Laban tricks… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I am a Chabad rabbi. This coming Shabbat, I hope to join thousands of Chabad rabbis from around the world at a convention in New York; together we are known as “Shluchim,” emissaries of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, whose leadership and lessons inspire us all. This past weekend, one of my… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Chayei Sarah) contains many interesting lessons; it continues the story of Abraham after his wife’s (Sara, hence the name) passing. Abraham immediately sets his mind to finding a bride for Isaac and thereby continue his legacy. So the Parsha is a bit of a mix of Abraham and Isaac. And… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY One of my favorite episodes in the Torah takes place in this week’s Parsha (Vayera) between Abraham and G-d. G-d tells Abraham of his plans to destroy Sodom and Abraham challenges Him. Why must the entire city be destroyed? Aren’t there some folks there worthy of redemption, a few righteous folks in whose… Read More
March 28, 2025
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY 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 almost exactly between Purim and Pesach) but the Parsha – Pekudei – is pretty repetitious. Moses is commanded by G-d to build the Tabernacle a few… Read More
March 26, 2025
Teen Shabbat Dinner Teen Friendship Shabbat was a huge success! This month, we took a trip to the Tuscan countryside—right from our Shabbat table. Friends gathered to enjoy a delicious Italian-inspired meal, great conversation, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end the week, surrounded by friendship, laughter, and incredible food. We can’t wait for the… Read More
March 21, 2025
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayakhel) tells of the artisans, the expert craftsmen who produced the Mishkan, the Tabernacle where the Jewish people served G-d in the desert. What is most interesting to note is how little this differs from the previous portions where G-d commands it to Moses and Moses conveys to the Jewish… Read More
