“May the Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” (Num. 6:25) “No justice, no peace!” is being chanted across the land this week, providing an unsettling soundtrack … Continued
Shabbat and Shavuot (Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17)
Because Shavuot falls on Thursday and Friday, the cycle of weekly Torah readings is interrupted by a special holiday selection. Akdamut Milin, an 11th century mystical poem in Aramaic is … Continued
Celebrating Shavuot in Israel in the Age of Covid-19
Beginning at sundown on Thursday, the Jewish world will celebrate Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, the holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai more than 3,300 … Continued
Parashat B’midbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)
“The Children of Israel did everything that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they do.” (Numbers 1:54) Parashat B’midbar opens the fourth book of the Torah, also called B’midbar, in … Continued
“Shalom Sesame” and Grover Are Returning to the Sheva Center
Who can resist a lovable, cute, furry blue monster? Not me. Ten years ago, in 2010, Sesame Workshop, creator of “Shalom Sesame,” launched a new 12-part series of the show, introducing … Continued
Why Memorial Day Should Matter to the Jewish Community
It was 4:30 a.m., hours before daybreak. Four of us marched to the waiting plane—the U.S. Secretary of Defense, a general, a colonel, and me. Climbing into the cargo … Continued
Introducing a New Forum for New Times—And Beyond
Welcome to the inaugural post on JCC Association of North America’s blog! We’re glad you’ve found our newest communication space. Here, a cadre of contributors will regularly keep you up-to-date … Continued
Parashat B’har-B’chukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34)
“For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as servants are sold.” (Leviticus 25:42) Parashat B’chukotai is the last … Continued
JCCs of North America Flagpole
A weekly rally of solidarity and song with Rick Recht, JCC leaders, clergy, and families on Facebook Live The Staenberg Family Foundation has launched the JCCs (Jewish Community Camps) of North … Continued
Parashat Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
“And you shall add to each stack pure frankincense; this shall be the memorial portion for the bread, a fire offering to God.” (Leviticus 23:7) Parashat Emor is called Torat … Continued