Allan Finkelstein’s essay in eJewishphilanthropy on the need to move from the concept of membership/affiliation to that of engagement has sparked a lot of discussion. How does this change affect … Continued
Parashat Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)
“These are what you shall make for God on your appointed festivals, aside from your vows and your free-will offerings…” (Numbers 29:39) There is a story about King Solomon, who … Continued
Parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9)
“My message was to bless: when He blesses, I cannot reverse it.” (Numbers 23:20) Parashat Balak is mostly taken up with the story of Bilam, the prophet sent to curse … Continued
Parashat Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1)
“The Cohen shall take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson thread, and he shall throw them into the burning of the cow.” (Numbers 19:6) Parashat Chukat opens with a mysterious and … Continued
Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)
“From all your gifts you shall raise up every gift of God, from all its best part, its sacred part from it.” (Numbers 18:29) This week’s parasha (portion) is named … Continued
New Vision for the 21st Century JCC Unveiled
For the first time in more than twenty years, JCC Association has put forward a new statement of principles for the JCC Movement. Initiated by a group of executive directors … Continued
Israel Struggles with Illegal Aliens
Every coin has two sides. That’s the reality of our complex lives. This week, Israel dealt with a very complicated issue–the Illegal refugees from Sudan and Eretria-and it turns out … Continued
Parashat B’ha-a lot’cha (Numbers 8:1-12:16)
“And the Lord’s cloud kept above them by day, as they moved on from camp.” (Numbers 10:34) In Parashat B’haalot’cha God commands Moses to assign the lighting of the menorah … Continued
Parashat Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)
“This was the dedication of the altar, on the day it was anointed, from the leaders of Israel: twelve silver bowls, twelve silver basins, twelve gold ladles.” (Numbers 7:84) Parashat … Continued
Parashat Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)
“They shall take charge of all the furnishings of the Tabernacle, a duty on behalf of the Israelites, doing the work of the Tabernacle” (Numbers 3:8) Parashat Bamidbar (in the … Continued