After much trial and travail, finally the truth was told and the viceroy of Egypt was none other than Yosef, their long lost brother. They were taken aback by this twist and unable to utter a word due to their incredulity and astonishment. Then Yosef tosses out the elephant in the room and declares that yes I am your brother Yosef whom you sold into slavery.
As we near the end of this wonderful Yom Tov of Chanukah what will we take with us? After the last lights go out we will be left in the darkness or can we carry the torch further and embrace our future with brightness?
This week in photos is all about moments that made us smile and wish you were there. From a spirited Women’s Experience cocktail night with hands-on mixology and great company, to a glimpse of our Wednesday night Food for Thought series filled with learning, connection, and delicious dinners, these galleries capture the joy between the moments. Scroll through, soak it in, and consider this your invitation to join us next time. 📸✨
This week in pictures is all about color, creativity, and community ✨
From little artists painting their way into Chanukah with Family Experience, to raising a rainbow glass in gratitude with our incredible Challah Bake committee, these moments capture what happens when people show up with heart. Joyful scenes, meaningful connections, and a whole lot of love.
Chanukah is right around the corner and perhaps we need to somewhat meditate and consider what Chanukah is all about, how we should approach this wonderful Yom Tov and explore what it is that we anticipate to gain. As we know after the small Hasmonean army defeated the powerful Greeks, they began to search for oil to light the Menorah.
Yaakov is poised to encounter his nemesis, Eisav and the anticipated encounter may be volatile. He davens to Hashem, prepares for battle and sends a large gift to his brother attempting to assuage his anger. In his prayer Yaakov mentions that with his staff he crossed the Jordan River.
Yaakov passed by Mt. Moriah, the place where Akeidas Yitzchok took place, where his father was almost sacrificed and missed the opportunity to daven there. Suddenly he realized that he had gone past it and immediately decided to return and daven in that sanctified place. Rashi explains that the moment he elected to do so, the mountain actually physically uprooted and came to him.
Rivka was instructed through Divine inspiration to tell Yaakov to get the blessings of the first born from Yitzchok. He was unaware of that and was concerned that his father would touch him and realize that he was not Eisav and curse him. Rivka dressed him with arms covered with animal fur and that would be sufficient to mislead Yitzchok.
From post-Shabbos glow to pre-Shabbos prep, this week was packed with inspiration. We kicked things off with our Falling Into Light Havdallah Party—a warm, musical send-off to Shabbos with our Family Experience community. Then we caught Rabbi Dov Ber Cohen behind the scenes as he got ready for a full weekend of learning, connection, and beautifully catered meals.
After Akeidas Yitzchok when Avrohom was seemingly commanded to offer his son to Hashem on the altar, he realized that he needed to find a wife for him. His trusted servant Eliezer was tasked with the mission to return to Avrohom’s family and select his spouse. He prayed to Hashem to indicate to him who would be a suitable wife for his master’s son.