It was in the first month of the second year on the first of the month that the Mishkan was erected. (Shemos 40:17) The concept of sacrificial offerings may conjure up images of ancient, primitive cultures. Yet, when we read the Torah, the timeless guide for life, we are struck with the predominant... Read more »
Throughout world history, the Jewish people have endured severe ongoing hate, persecution, exile, violence and genocide. Although in recent decades
I might be a techie at Facebook, a photographer at National Geographic, a student at the London School of Economics; any Jewish person. I fly through the week from one project to the next, get prepped for the weekend parties to unwind – to get rewound
Rav Shlomo Wolbe asks an important question in Aley Shur (Volume II, p. 52) about the nature of God’s presence in the world: “The Mishkan was built so that God would have an abode in which to ‘reside’ down here on Earth. However, the Torah tells us
Immediately following Matan Torah, Moshe Rebeinu teaches the Mishpatim, the social ordinances which comprise the bedrock of Jewish society. Why is it appropriate to introduce Talmud study to newcomers to Judaism especially in Parshas Mishpatim?
In Parshas Beshalach, God frees the Jewish people from Egypt, and they travel towards the Yam Suf, the Sea of Reeds. The Torah [Shemos 13:18] describes the Jews as leaving Egypt “Chamushim.” What does this Hebrew term represent and what deeper ideas are hidden within
In Parshas Va’eira, God sends Moshe and Aaron to warn Pharaoh in advance of each of the first seven plagues to free Bnei Yisroel from Mitzraim. Since Pharaoh refused to send out the Jewish people after each of the first five plagues, God then withdrew Pharaoh’s free will and sent the remaining five plagues. One might assume that
In today's commercialized world, branding – how others perceive your organization – is no longer reserved for businesses alone. It is vital that you brand your nonprofit as you would a business. Here are two good reasons why: Branding your nonprofit organization means developing a clear vision, mission statement, and strategy that
Recently, NCSY released a new Bar Mitzvah infographic! You can see the infographic here. It explains the basics of what it means to become a Bar Mitzvah, analyzes the phrase “Bar Mitzvah,” explores why we make a big celebration, and provides an overview of tefillin. Plus, it also offers a deeper look at tefillin. All in all, this is a great infographic
In Parshas Shemos, God chooses Moshe Rabbeinu to become the leader of Klal Yisroel. The importance of leadership in government, business, and every facet of society cannot be overstated. The shelves of our bookstores are stacked with advice on how to become an effective leader. What does Judaism have to say about leadership?
