by Mordi Levi | f 23, 2021 | Antisemitism, Israel, Leadership, Purim
The Scroll of Esther contains an account of events that took place when the Jewish people were living in Persia. Following the destruction of the first Temple at the hands of the Babylonians, the Jews were exiled to Babylon. Not long afterwards, the Babylonians were...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2017 | Fear of God, Kindness and Compassion, Leadership, Responsibility, Tetzaveh
Late on a cold winter night in January, 1948, thirty-five Palmach soldiers headed out surreptitiously carrying military and medical supplies on their backs to the besieged community of Gush Etzion which was cut off from the rest of the Yishuv. Dawn broke before they...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 22, 2017 | Community, Israel, Leadership, Mishpatim
In the months before Israel’s Declaration of Independence, war with the surrounding Arab states seemed inevitable, and obtaining funds to equip the Jewish army became critical. Golda Meir travelled to the U.S. to raise money urgently needed to purchase arms and defend...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 25, 2016 | Leadership, Temple, Tzav
Chapter 8 in Leviticus discusses the anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests in the Tabernacle and the anointing of the Tabernacle itself. The process is very detailed. The first step is the washing of both Aaron and his sons. Then Moses dresses Aaron. Then Moses...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 18, 2016 | Leadership, Responsibility, Vayikra
The Book of Leviticus is dedicated primarily to instructing us in the various sacrifices that are brought in the Tabernacle and, later on, in the Temple, as well as other instructions pertaining to the work of the priests and the Levites. Chapter 4 begins with a...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 26, 2016 | God, Ki Tisa, Leadership
This week’s portion begins with the commandment to conduct a census among the Children of Israel through the donation of a half shekel. Other commandments follow, but the focus of the portion is the story of the Golden Calf. It has long puzzled commentators how the...