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
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’m going to deviate a bit from this week’s Parsha (Mikeitz) to talk about Chanukah, specifically—and I believe I’ve talked about this before—Shabbos and Chanukah together as we prepare for it tonight. We will be lighting Chanukah candles immediately followed by Shabbat candles, then tomorrow night, after Shabbos, we will be reciting Havdala and… Read More
This week’s Parsha (Vayeishev) continues the drama between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was his father’s favorite which instilled jealousy among his brothers (shocker), culminating in their desire to kill, then ultimately scheme to fake his death and sell him to slavery in Egypt. We learn how they plotted to kill him until Reuben, the oldest of the brothers, convinces… Read More
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
Look through our 2022 and 2023 Friendship Circle memories and see what we have been up to!
Friendship Circle Tribute Book 2023January 24, 2025
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
January 23, 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
January 17, 2025
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
