Give and Take

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 accurate term? There must be… Read More

Practically Perfect

Categories: Mishpatim, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Every Parsha has its theme. This week’s Parsha, Mishpatim, has loads of commandments—53 in total—and is therefore called “Mishpatim,” which literally means “judgments.” This word typically refers to specific commandments, as Mitzvot are broken up into three categories. “Edut” are testimonials, those we wouldn’t necessarily have considered in establishing a society, but which… Read More

Free Advice!

Categories: Parsha, Yitro

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY There is a well-known Yiddish phrase that goes, “a gast oif a vayil zet far a mayil,” this translates to, (and never well because somehow it doesn’t have the same ring in English): a guest for a bit can see for a mile. This week’s Parsha (Yitro) is named after Moses’s father-in-law. Who… Read More

We Get What We Get…

Categories: Beshalach, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Beshalach, tells of the Jewish people leaving Egypt and crossing the Sea. It also begins to tell us of their journey in the desert. Obviously, their time in the desert was a special one; most of the Torah revolves around it. The Jewish people were sustained throughout their travels by… Read More

Moonwalk

Categories: Bo, Friendship Circle, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Ok, I’ll admit, this week’s Parsha (Bo) is a favorite of mine. It contains the last three Plagues to befall the Egyptians and then begins detailing the Jewish People’s liberation from Egypt. Certainly monumental in that this was the moment this band of slaves and vagabonds became a true nation with a free… 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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