Challenge and Opportunity

Categories: Metzora, Parsha

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

Weekly Roundup: April 19, 2024

Categories: Newsletter

FC Talks We had a very successful FC Talks event as hundreds gathered to watch Pamela Schuller at the JCC Monday night. Schuller, a comedian, disability and mental health advocate, and Jewish woman, spoke about her experience growing up with Tourette Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and interspersed funny stories with serious anecdotes and ideas for change. Teens asked… Read More

Weekly Roundup: April 12, 2024

Categories: Newsletter

Sunday Funday Last Sunday, we had a matzah bake where Tali and Pearl helped with the presentation from Rabbi Eli. Everyone went home with matzah and their favorite toppings. Members enjoyed the rooftop for nice spring weather where we played Passover games, crafted photo banners, blew bubbles and more. Shalom went home with a plague-themed puppet and Ava and Morgan… Read More

What’s the Good Word?

Categories: Parsha, Tazria

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

To the Eighth Degree

Categories: Parsha, Shemini

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

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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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