Parsha

What is a Parsha? 

Each week in at Friendship Circle we acknowledge a passage from the Torah. This passage is referred to as a parsha. The first parsha, for example, is Parshat Bereishit, which covers from the beginning of Genesis to the story of Noah. Every week of the year has a Parsha. It gives us all a life lesson and offers meaning to our complicated lives.

Here is an example:

This week’s Torah portion – Sh’mini – tells of the consecration of the Tabernacle and laws regarding kosher animals. One law in particular stands out and teaches us an important lesson. Kosher fish must have two characteristics: fins and scales. Interestingly, all fish that have scales certainly have fins, but not all that have fins have scales (and would thus not be kosher). So basically, all they really need is scales. Why must we say fins and scales?

To truly understand this, we need to see what they both represent. Scales represent integrity. A foundation of honesty that protects a person and allows them to build their personality in an ethical and moral way. Fins represent ambition. The idea of an aid to allow the person to get where they need to go. In educating children, in influencing others, there are these two factors. The foundation of integrity and the concept of ambition that we must try to instill in others. But which comes first?

The Talmud tells us if we instill integrity in others, if this is their foundation, then drive and ambition will follow. However, if only the drive is there but not integrity, that is not kosher. Yes, the person can be successful and a hard worker, but he or she is fundamentally flawed if they don’t maintain integrity. That is the hallmark of a kosher personality.

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

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

Read more

Weekly Roundup: June 20, 2025

Dad’s Night The rain can’t keep our Friendship Circle Dads away! On Tuesday our FC dads gathered for a Summer BBQ filled with great company, laughter and delicious food! The dads had a great time together and we look forward to our next gathering. If you are an FC Dad interested in planning upcoming events please reach out to Julia… Read More

Read more

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