Practically Perfect

Categories: Mishpatim, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Every Parsha has its theme. This week’s Parsha, Mishpatim, has loads of commandments—53 in total—and is therefore called “Mishpatim,” which literally means “judgments.” This word typically refers to specific commandments, as Mitzvot are broken up into three categories. “Edut” are testimonials, those we wouldn’t necessarily have considered in establishing a society, but which… Read More

Free Advice!

Categories: Parsha, Yitro

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY There is a well-known Yiddish phrase that goes, “a gast oif a vayil zet far a mayil,” this translates to, (and never well because somehow it doesn’t have the same ring in English): a guest for a bit can see for a mile. This week’s Parsha (Yitro) is named after Moses’s father-in-law. Who… Read More

We Get What We Get…

Categories: Beshalach, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Beshalach, tells of the Jewish people leaving Egypt and crossing the Sea. It also begins to tell us of their journey in the desert. Obviously, their time in the desert was a special one; most of the Torah revolves around it. The Jewish people were sustained throughout their travels by… Read More

Moonwalk

Categories: Bo, Friendship Circle, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Ok, I’ll admit, this week’s Parsha (Bo) is a favorite of mine. It contains the last three Plagues to befall the Egyptians and then begins detailing the Jewish People’s liberation from Egypt. Certainly monumental in that this was the moment this band of slaves and vagabonds became a true nation with a free… Read More

Super Human

Categories: Parsha, Va'eira

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY So Moses returns to Egypt as commanded by G-d in last week’s Parsha; he continues to fulfill his mission to redeem the Jewish people from slavery. But before we delve into that the Torah stops; it pauses and tells us the genealogy of the players at hand in this week’s Parsha (Va’era), namely… Read More

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The Pits!

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

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Weekly Roundup: December 20, 2024

Teen Challah Bake Teens from The Friendship Circle, The Beacon, The Second Floor at the JCC, BBYO, and NCSY gathered last Thursday night for our annual Teen Challah Bake event! Teens enjoyed playing get-to-know-you bingo and getting their hands dirty making the dough. Don’t worry – we wore aprons! Everyone made two challot with their favorite toppings and enjoyed spending time with… Read More

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Another Committee?

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

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