“You shall not ill-treat any widow of orphan.” (Exodus 22:21) Parashat Yitro provides drama. Parashat Mishpatim provides details. It begins a section of the Torah known as sefer habrit, the … Continued
Parashat Yitro (Exodus 18:1-2:23)
“So the people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.” (Exodus 20:15) Parashat Yitro is the moment the Torah was written for. The Israelites … Continued
Israel and the Refugee Crisis
Today, the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, the Jewish world celebrates Tu B’Shevat, the holiday that marks a New Year for the Trees. This is the season … Continued
Parashat B’shalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)
“The Lord will battle for you; you hold your peace!” (Exodus 14:14) Parashat B’shalach describes Israel’s hasty departure from Egypt, Pharoah’s fevered pursuit, and God’s miraculous splitting of the sea … Continued
Parashat Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
“Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a festival of the Lord.” (Exodus 13:6) Parashat Bo rachets up the drama of the … Continued
Parashat Va’era (Exodus 6:2-9:35)
“…I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and through extraordinary chastisements.” (Exodus 6:6) Parashat Va’era is better known than most because its contents are recounted each year at the … Continued
Parashat Sh’mot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)
“…She called his name Moses, as she said, ‘For I drew him from the water.’” (Exodus 2:10) Parashat Sh’mot opens the book of Exodus (which also is called Sh’mot in … Continued
JCC Executives See Israel Beyond the Conflict
Just a few weeks ago, a group of 21 leaders from 12 JCCs embarked on a Jewish journey, which began at David Ben Gurion’s burial place in Israel’s desert and … Continued
Parashat Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)
“Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.” (Genesis 48:21) Parashat Vayechi … Continued
Parashat Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)
“Joseph sustained his father, and his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, down to the little ones.” (Gen. 47:12) Parashat Vayigash contains the denouement to the Joseph saga: … Continued