I’ve Got Nothing

Categories: Parsha, Pekudei

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY So, this week I’m in a bit of a conundrum. There is lots going on from a Jewish perspective (we conclude the Book of Exodus, we are almost exactly between Purim and Pesach) but the Parsha – Pekudei – is pretty repetitious. Moses is commanded by G-d to build the Tabernacle a few… Read More

How it Started Vs. How it’s Going

Categories: Parsha, Vayakhel

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayakhel) tells of the artisans, the expert craftsmen who produced the Mishkan, the Tabernacle where the Jewish people served G-d in the desert. What is most interesting to note is how little this differs from the previous portions where G-d commands it to Moses and Moses conveys to the Jewish… Read More

Humble Pie

Categories: Ki Tisa, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Ki Sissa, should really be pronounced Ki Seesaw for all of its ups and downs. Let’s give a little background. The Jewish people overcame a superpower in fleeing slavery in Egypt. Moses leads them through a miraculously split sea and, after winning a war along the way, they arrive at… Read More

Crush It!

Categories: Parsha, Tetzaveh

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Tetzave) has a unique feature: Moses’s name is not mentioned. It does refer to him, just not by name. Along these same lines, there are many underlying lessons in the Parsha, generally and specifically, that aren’t initially apparent. In one of those lessons, we are told of how the Menorah… Read More

To Give Is to Receive

Categories: Parsha, Terumah

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha – Terumah – contains a lesson truly crucial to us as an organization. The Parsha begins, “V’yikchu li Terumah,” which literally translates to mean, “And they shall take to me (G-d) contributions.” I translate literally because this word is confusing. Take? Isn’t “give” the more appropriate term? There must be… Read More

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Follow the Leader

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Korach, discusses Korach’s unsuccessful rebellion against his cousin Moshe; by G-d’s design, this Sunday we will also commemorate the 31st Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, The Rebbe (for whom our son Mendy is named, and whose teachings inspired the establishment of The Friendship Circle). These two events, especially… Read More

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Weekly Roundup: June 27, 2025

FOTT Trip FOTT had a striking time this Sunday at Zone 28 for our final FOTT Trip of the program year! Members enjoyed some friendly competition, creative coloring, and a delicious applesauce bar. It was awesome to see everyone cheering each other on and showing what positive sportsmanship looks like. We’re already looking forward to rolling into more fun at… Read More

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Believing is Seeing

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week’s portion, Shelach, tells of the Jewish people preparing to enter the Land of Israel; it centers on the spies who ask Moses if they can scout out the land. Moses concedes and upon return, ten spies report that the land is unconquerable and advise that they all remain in the desert.… Read More

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