A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY In addition to giving us a series of laws, this week’s Parsha (Acharei Mot) opens with its title. These words, literally, “After the death…” refer to the laws being taught after the deaths of the sons of Aaron the High Priest. They passed away prematurely because they entered the Holy of Holies (in… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Tonight begins the Shabbat of Passover. These are days which commemorate the splitting of the Sea of Reeds (being approximately a week after the Jewish people were freed) as well as celebrate – strangely, in anticipation of- the future Redemption. Much is discussed about what “the Redemption” means and people tend to have… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Metzorah) continues the saga of the “leper” discussed last week. The word “Metzorah” literally means, “one with Tzaraas,” so makes sense to contain these laws—and yet we find something intriguing. The laws relating to actually having Tzaraas were found in last week’s Parsha; this week contains the laws of purification… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Tazria) tells us about various pure and impure situations, most notably, “tzaraat,” a biblical era malady that we typically liken to leprosy. But one things stands out as a theme in the portion overall—the impact our words can have on reality. We sometimes think of words as here today, gone… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week we read the Parsha, Shemini, which literally means “Eighth.” There are some laws of kosher animals and various laws surrounding purity, but I’m going to focus on the name of the Parsha. The Eighth refers to the day on which, after the seven days of inauguration, Aaron, the high priest of… Read More
October 23, 2024
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY There is so much to write about on this conclusion of Sukkot. We had some wonderful times thus far and look forward to more as Shemini Ateret begins, followed by Simchat Torah and then Shabbat. Simchat Torah, the final day of the holiday, when we rejoice with the Torah (it literally means just… Read More
October 22, 2024
Sukkot Party The Friendship Circle building was filled with laughter, dancing, and yummy food for all of us enjoying the holiday! Band Together came and provided some sweet tunes for us to listen to, and we also had Weird Eric and O’Ryan put on a comedy game show which was very fun and interactive. Sholom G. made sure to get the… Read More
October 16, 2024
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY In what can arguably be described as the quickest, most emotionally pinballing four days on the Jewish calendar (I’ve spoken about the five days between Tisha B’av and Tu B’av – the saddest and then a most joyful day during the summer, but that fifth day gives us an extra day of transition),… Read More
