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
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Sometimes things feel a little monotonous. Like, weeks go by and nothing especially exciting is happening and we feel the inherent need to shake things up. This week’s Parsha is named Tzav, literally “Command.” It discusses much of the regular sacrifices that the Kohanim—Aaron and his priestly dynasty—would be bringing in the Tabernacle… Read More
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’m going to deviate a bit from this week’s Parsha (Vayikra) to talk about Purim. Especially since the Fast of Esther was yesterday and we’re all in the Purim spirit. To give a quick refresher on the story: Achashverosh was the King of Persia who had his wife killed and replaced her with… Read More
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DonateDecember 23, 2024
FOTT Performs Improv The FOTT group took a shot at improv comedy on Sunday night. Our friends at Arcade Comedy Theatre led us in fun improv games: during “Dr. Know-It-All,” three members were tasked with answering questions from the audience one word at a time. Then, during “Storybook Ending,” members posed as different set props while a scene unfolded in… Read More
December 20, 2024
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
December 19, 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
