Be Strong!

Categories: Parsha, Vayechi

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha – Vayechi – concludes the Book of Genesis. Upon its conclusion, the synagogue traditionally calls out in unison, “Chazak chazak venischazek!” This translates to mean, “Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened,” thus giving us a little inspiration and charge to move on into the next book, and… Read More

Let’s Reconnect

Categories: Parsha, Vayigash

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayigash) concludes the story of Jacob’s sons. Joseph is formally reunited with his brothers as he reveals his true identity to them. They embrace and finally reconnect; Jacob is then given the news that Joseph lives as viceroy of Egypt and that he should come down to dwell there together… Read More

Light One Candle

Categories: Mikeitz, Parsha

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’m going to deviate a bit from this week’s Parsha (Mikeitz) to talk about Chanukah, specifically—and I believe I’ve talked about this before—Shabbos and Chanukah together as we prepare for it tonight. We will be lighting Chanukah candles immediately followed by Shabbat candles, then tomorrow night, after Shabbos, we will be reciting Havdala and… Read More

The Pits!

Categories: Parsha, Vayeishev

This week’s Parsha (Vayeishev) continues the drama between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph was his father’s favorite which instilled jealousy among his brothers (shocker), culminating in their desire to kill, then ultimately scheme to fake his death and sell him to slavery in Egypt. We learn how they plotted to kill him until Reuben, the oldest of the brothers, convinces… Read More

Another Committee?

Categories: Parsha, Vayishlach

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha (Vayishlach) concludes Jacob’s time with his “dear” brother-in-law Laban, having amassed a large family, cattle, wealth and an overall sense of maturity. The portion begins with Jacob meeting his brother Esau for the first time since fleeing him two Parshas ago; he’s heard that Esau is bringing 400 soldiers to… Read More

1 2 3

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

A Sight for Sore Eyes

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT BY RABBI MORDY This week has been quite a whirlwind. The lead-up to Friends All Around is always a bit chaotic and this year is no exception! It means long nights and detailed plans (and alternative detailed plans!) culminating in a beautiful community affair (G-d willing!) this Sunday. In addition, today we observe “Lag Ba’omer,” an auspicious… Read More

Read more

Weekly Roundup: May 16, 2025

Young Adult Network Happy Hour On Monday, May 12, Friendship Circle’s Young Adult Network hosted a Happy Hour at Velum Fermentation Brewery where old friends reunited, new connections sparked, and the good times rolled! Our Happy Hour was the perfect blend of laughter, drinks, and friendly competition – from clinking glasses over tasty snacks to epic showdowns in arcade classics,… Read More

Read more

Love You

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

Read more