Ark of History

Categories: Noach, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY We are headed into election week. I’m sure everyone here is hoping for more ads, texts, calls, pamphlets and door knocks but sadly they are coming to an end. Perhaps we can find something in the parsha to take with us into what will likely be a dramatic week ahead? So here we… Read More

You Call This Living?

Categories: Friendship Circle, Parsha, Vayechi

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha concludes the Book of Genesis. There is much to learn from it; it contains “the last will and testament“ of Jacob, including his final blessings and instructions to each of the tribes. The name itself – Vayechi – means, “and he lived,” which references the legacy of Jacob; what teachings… Read More

Don’t Cry for Me

Categories: Friendship Circle, Parsha, Vayigash

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha contains lots of moving parts. Joseph is reunited with his brothers and then his father and there is lots of drama associated with their reunion. Joseph sends his brothers back and forth to their father in Israel, frames them by planting his goblet in one of their sacks then accusing… Read More

Skin in the Game

Categories: Vayechi

This week’s Parsha – Vayechi – concludes the Book of Genesis, the first of the “Five Books of Moses.” Traditionally, at the end of each book, the synagogue calls out in unison, “Chazak chazak venischazek!” Which means “Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened,” thus giving us a little inspiration and charge to move on into the next… Read More

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I’ve Got Nothing

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

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Weekly Roundup: March 28, 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

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How it Started Vs. How it’s Going

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

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