Be Strong!

Categories: Parsha, Vayechi

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

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

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

Support Friendship Circle

Financial donations are the most direct way to support Friendship Circle. Please consider making a donation to keep our Circle growing!

Donate

Recent blog posts

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

Read more

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

Read more

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

Read more