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וְגַ֣ם  אֲנִ֣י שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי אֶֽת־נַאֲקַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר ...

Family Corner is a space to offer interactive and thoughtful ideas for family engagement with the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah reading). This week in the Parsha we encounter themes of listening, plagues, overcoming setbacks, freedom and prayer. Parsha Summary Despite God's message that they will be redeemed from slavery, the Israelites' spirits remain crushed. God instructs Moses and Aaron to deliver the Israelites from the land of Egypt. ...

Ancient Story – Contemporary Meaning The Exodus narrative that we begin reading about this week, is such a powerful story that it has been used as a model of inspiration to many freedom campaigns. Below are a few examples of why the Exodus saga has and continues to have such relevance. I provide them for you to ponder and think about in terms of your own social action work. On January 14, 1963, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel gave the ...

Family Corner is a space to offer interactive and thoughtful ideas for family engagement with the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah reading). This week in the Parsha we encounter themes of helping the less fortunate, standing up to tyranny, overcoming challenges, Jewish Pride, Standing up to bullies Parsha Summary The new king of Egypt makes slaves of the Hebrews and orders their male children to be drowned in the Nile River. (1:1-22) A ...

What lasting message are we left with as we complete the book of Bereishit? We can take a hint from the introduction to Jacob’s blessing of his sons. הִקָּבְצ֥וּ וְשִׁמְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב ...

Family Corner is a space to offer interactive and thoughtful ideas for family engagement with the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah reading). This week in the Parsha we encounter themes of faith, taking responsibility, reconciliation (making up), respect for the dead, blessing people. Parsha Summary Jacob blesses his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh. (48:1-20) Jacob's twelve sons gather around his deathbed, and each receives an evaluation and ...

In this parashah, Judah demonstrates true - Teshuva, repentance and change of character. He was the one who convinced his brothers to sell Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:25–27) in order to rid the brothers of their father’s favorite son and make some money. In this week’s parsha, facing the possibility that Jacob’s second favorite son will be imprisoned, Judah selflessly offers to stay in Benjamin's place. Judah has ...

The J Meals on Wheels program delivers more than 420 hot lunches to homebound seniors Monday-Friday. Through several generous donations, the J was able to increase the number of vehicles from three to four Meals on Wheels trucks. With this additional truck, the program is able to increase total clients served and reduce the waitlist. Homebound seniors need help with food, now more than ever. We have opportunities for volunteers in the community ...

Family Corner is a space to offer interactive and thoughtful ideas for family engagement with the Parshat Hashavua (weekly Torah reading). This week in the Parsha we encounter themes of keeping your word, prayer when concern arises, unity (community), people can change, and always being open to learning. Parsha Summary Judah pleads with Joseph to free Benjamin and offers himself as a replacement. (44:18-34) Joseph reveals himself to his ...

The Koren Tanakh Maalot - Magerman Edition Rabbi Jonathan Sacks / Koren Publishers Jerusalem 2021 Reviewed by Rabbi Barry Gelman A Jewish library is essential for every Jewish home, and a Tanakh (complete Bible) should be high on the list of books to have. The Magerman Edition of the Tanakh published by Koren is a great choice for your home library. This review will examine a few of the excellent elements of this newly published volume. ...