Moshe had two sons Gershom and Eliezer. Gershom was named for Moshe’s seclusion when he was a stranger in a foreign land, Midian. The name Eliezer alluded to Moshe’s miraculous escape from Pharoah’s executioner. Even though he was slated to die Hashem protected him and he was able to get…
Irving, an older man, is sitting outside a small roadside bed and breakfast when he sees a pickup truck rumbling down the dirt road. “Good afternoon,” Irving says. “Afternoon,” replies the driver. “Passing through?” Irving asks.
Ibn Ezra questions why was there a fear that if the people leave Egypt and travel though the land of the Philistines then they may encounter a combat situation and return to Egypt. The amount of able-bodied men was 600,000 and many more and they were also armed.
A woman calls the hospital switchboard and asks, “Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me how Mrs. Kaplan in room 317 is doing.”
Moshe was the emissary of Hashem to approach Pharoah and demand that he release the nation from its bondage. However, when he speaks with him he adds how long will it be until you humble yourself in front of Hashem. That additional message seemingly has no connection to the mandate…
Learning launched. Tables filled. Community in motion. From the start of new classes to the first moments of TJU, and from a gala prize turning into a Shabbat at home, this week captured what it looks like when Jewish life is lived in real time. Scroll through for a few…
Two men are waiting on a train platform late in the afternoon. One is younger, clearly in a hurry. The other is older, calm, and completely unbothered. The younger man glances at his phone, frowns, then turns to the older man and asks politely, “Excuse me, do you have the…
Although Moshe complained to Hashem that the people were suffering terribly under Pharoah’s enslavement, his concern was that the nation was undergoing pain and agony that was too much. He was reprimanded for his protest and Hashem explained to him the process which they were going through. The original covenant,…
The Torah enumerates the total count of the nation when they arrived in Egypt. Then we are reminded that Yosef was in Egypt. Rashi explains that the Torah is emphasizing that Yosef withstood all the difficulties which the culture presented him with. They were a nation deeply entrenched in immorality.…
After the nation settled in Goshen Yaakov lived out the remainder of his life there. The parsha is written in such a fashion as to indicate that it is disconnected from the previous parsha. Rashi cites the Midrash that this alludes to the lack of perception that befell the people…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
