Posts by JCC Association

“And let all among you who are skilled come and make all that the Lord has commanded.” (Exodus 35:10) Parashat Vayakhel opens with Moses assembling the entire Israelite people-men, women, and children-signaling that something important is about to happen.  Moses delivers two pithy statements about Shabbat (if you labor on Shabbat you’ll die and don’t … Continued

“When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, the people gathered against Aaron and said him, ‘Come, make us a god who shall go before us’…” (Exodus 32:1) This week’s Torah perspective comes from  Cippi Harte, Vice President of Program Services and Mandel Center for Jewish Education Parashat … Continued

“You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.” (Exodus 27:20) This week’s Torah perspective comes from Robin Ballin, JCC Association Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications. Parashat T’tzaveh continues the description of the meticulous craftsmanship that went into the building of the mishkan … Continued

“And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 23:8) Parashat T’rumah sets forth the plans for building the mishkan, the Tabernacle.  The mishkan’s importance is indicated by the level of detail included); the Torah takes three times as long to describe the construction of the mishkan as it does … Continued

“…All the things the Lord has commanded we will do.” (Exodus 24:3) It would be easy to think that with the Reed Sea split, the Israelites delivered from Egypt, and the Torah revealed at Sinai, we are done.  After all, what could be left? Plenty, turns out.  Aseret haDibrot (the Decalogue) is merely the Executive … Continued

“Let the Egyptians know that I am God, when I gain glory through Pharoah, his chariots, and his horsemen.” (Exodus 14:18) This week’s Torah perspective comes from Rabbi Barry R. Baron, Deputy Director of the JWB Chaplains Council. Parashat B’shalach describes Israel’s departure from Egypt, Pharoah’s pursuit, and the miracle of the splitting of the … Continued