“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
First Jerusalem Day Remembered
Last Sunday on the 28th of the Hebrew month of Iyar (May 20), the Jewish world celebrated Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day. This holiday marks 45 years since Israel won control … Continued
Parashat B’har-B’chukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)
“Throughout the land that you hold, you must provide for the redemption of the land.” (Leviticus 25:24) Parashat B’har-B’chukotai contains the famous phrase: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land,” (Lev. 25:10) … Continued