The tribe of Levi was designated to serve in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash. Upon their assignment, their entire body was shaven in order to prepare them for this honor. Perhaps one would find this odd that those selected to serve in the highest capacity in the nation should have to sustain embarrassment of this nature.
Wagons were donated to the Mishkan to carry the beams that encompassed the inner sanctum. However, the Torah states that the descendants of Kehas, the eldest son of Levi, were not privy to those wagons because they carried the most reverent items of the Mishkan such as the Aron.
The two brothers Zevulun and Yisochor and their respective tribes had a very interesting relationship. Yisochor personified the ultimate scholars of Torah. Zevulun were very accomplished merchants and became wealthy. They supported the entire tribe of Yisochor so that they could devote themselves to the study of Torah exclusive of any involvement in worldly matters.
From goats and giggles to golf swings and growth—what a week!
Our Family Experience crew enjoyed an unforgettable day at Leap of Faith Farm, complete with animal snuggles and hands-on learning. Meanwhile, TJE staff hit Topgolf for a little friendly competition and team bonding. And our Olami Mentorship program kicked off in style at Acoya, building meaningful connections between mentors and students.
Scroll through the snapshots to catch the joy, the energy, and the heart of our community this week!
Moshe Ohana grew up in Monsey, New York and went to school nearby in Binghamton. Many thousands of miles away, Rikki Wedgle was raised in Denver, but then ended up attending Syracuse University, which is about an hour from Binghamton. The two of them were so close, yet a world apart. Little did they know that their Beshert was just a train-ride away, and that they’d be meeting and connecting in Denver, thanks to Olami Denver Experience.
We are forewarned by the Torah that upon ignoring our obligations there will be retribution. Unfortunately, we have seen this fulfilled many times in our past. The commentators explain that the chastisement mentioned in this parsha refers to the destruction of the first Beis Hamikdash. The downfall of the nation at that time was terrible and the subsequent exile to Bavel, as short as it was, created havoc in the purity of our nation.
As an active member of the Family Experience, Howard S. finds profound meaning in connecting his faith to every aspect of his life. Drawing connections between Torah principles and modern-day challenges, he demonstrates the profound ways in which spirituality and ethics shape his contributions to both medicine and the broader community.
What a night! The Women’s Experience was honored to welcome Denver native and renowned artist Sheva Chaya for an unforgettable evening of Torah, creativity, and connection. From deep wisdom and moving stories to watercolor art inspired by the theme of second chances—this Pesach Sheini celebration was filled with meaning, beauty, and sweetness (yes, there was wine and dessert too!).
On the second day of Pesach a special offering was brought in the Beis Hamikdash, referred to as the Korban Omer. It consisted of barley and permitted the use of that grain in Eretz Yisroel. Although we don’t have the opportunity to bring that unique sacrifice, we count the days after from when it would have been brought until the Yom Tov of Shavuos.