Moving Mountains

Categories: Behar-Bechukotai, Friendship Circle, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY Here we are this week, back at another double portion with Behar and Bechukotai. Behar means, “On the mountain,” referring to Mount Sinai where G-d revealed the Torah to the Jewish nation; the timing is perfect since we are about a week away from the holiday of Shavuot which commemorates this pivotal event.… Read More

Love You

Categories: Acharei-Kedoshim, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week we have a double Parsha (Achareimot-Kedoshim) so there is no shortage of material. They include many laws and stories so it’s not too hard to find one that resonates and can connect to this moment. This week includes what Rabbi Akiva calls “the great principle of the Torah,” the commandment to… Read More

If I could please just maybe…

Categories: Parsha, Tazria-Metzora

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week’s double Parsha (Tazria-Metzorah) speaks about various purities and impurities, detailing the atonement processes, mostly relating to Biblical times. The Torah references to purity here differ in an interesting way from those given in the times of Noah’s Ark, during which Noah is commanded to bring animals, kosher and non-kosher, into the… Read More

The End is Near

Categories: Nitzavim-Vayelech, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY In keeping with the time of year we’re in, I’m going to keep it short and sweet. This week’s Parsha, Netzavim, the fourth to last in the Torah, is the last Parsha of the year; Rosh Hashana is this coming Wednesday night. According to Jewish tradition, we make a blessing on the upcoming new… Read More

One for the Road

Categories: Matot-Massei, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Rivkee and I were visiting friends in Wyoming this week and took a day trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was truly an experience. The geysers and hot springs were like nothing I have ever seen; it was memorable to say the least. Having spent about a day there, we ventured back to… Read More

Support Friendship Circle

Financial donations are the most direct way to support Friendship Circle. Please consider making a donation to keep our Circle growing!

Donate

Recent blog posts

Want a Raise?

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha is a special one because… it’s my Bar Mitzvah Parsha! “Beha’aloscha Es haneiros…” I practiced it for about a year and a half and much of it still comes to mind even though it was just a few years ago (29 but who’s counting?)! In commemoration of that and as… Read More

Read more

Weekly Roundup: June 13, 2025

Kennywood Day On Sunday, FC friends of all ages and their families came together for our annual Kennywood Day that was filled with laughter, connection, and classic thrills! From the heart-pounding excitement of the Racer roller coaster to the timeless joy of the carousel and Turtles ride, every moment was packed with shared smiles and unforgettable memories. We capped off… Read More

Read more

Nasso Much

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Nasso) discusses the end of the census and expounds on various laws. As the Tabernacle was about to be inaugurated, the Parsha also describes the offerings brought by each of the tribes. What is noteworthy here is that each offering was identical and yet each was described. (For more on… Read More

Read more