Eikev Deut. 7:12–11:25 by Jen Smith Every morning, many of us cover our eyes to recite the familiar words of the Shema, proclaiming Adonai echad – God is One. This week, however, Parashat Eikev draws our attention to an overlooked transition: the second paragraph of the Shema, which contains a profoundly surprising lesson about the […]
Va’etchanan Deut. 3:23–7:11 By Jen Smith In the second century C.E., long before the Marvel movies, superhero franchises, and even Star Wars, Greek philosopher, Homer, gave the world The Odyssey. The epic poem tells the story of Odysseus, a leader in the Trojan war who becomes a weary traveler struggling for years to return home. Along the way, Odysseus encounters monsters, temptations, storms, false paradises, and impossible […]
Devarim Deut. 1:1-3:22 By Jen Smith If someone handed you a time machine, where would you go? I’ve thought about this question in so many ways: would I go back and warn my younger self before making that terrible decision? Should I go back in time to say the words I wish I had said before saying goodbye to someone I […]
Matot-Masei Numbers 30:2-36:13 by Jen Smith There is an old story about a man bragging about what an exemplary citizen he had become. “I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I don’t gamble. I don’t cheat. I work hard, go to bed early, and I attend religious services faithfully.” Quite impressive. Then he added, “I’ve been […]
Pinchas Numbers 25:10–30:1 by Jen Smith Sometimes the Jewish calendar creates unexpected harmonies. Events separated by centuries suddenly begin speaking to one another. This week is one of those weeks. As we read this week’s Torah portion, Pinchas, we also enter the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz, a day that marks the beginning of […]
Click the Icon or Text Below for More Information Wed. July 17 PM Hosted at B’nai Israel Congregation Fri. July 36:30 PM Camp-Themed Song-Filled Shabbat! Mon. July 6 1-3 PM Volunteer Offsite at the I Support the Girls Warehouse Tues. July 7 10:30 AM Live and Learn: Singalong with Stephanie Wed. July 86:30 PM Raise […]
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Chukat-Balak Numbers 19:1-25:9 By Jen Smith There are weeks when the Torah feels beautifully sophisticated, and then we turn the scroll to Chukat-Balak. One portion begins with a law that makes almost no sense, while the other features a talking donkey. Our brilliant ancient rabbis were never bothered by this. In fact, they might even […]
Korach Numbers 16:1–18:32 By Jen Smith If social media had existed in the ancient wilderness, Korach would have been unstoppable. He would have started a podcast called The Real Story with Korach. He would have posted lengthy threads accusing Moses and Aaron of being part of an entrenched leadership elite. He would have gathered followers, […]
Shelach Numbers 13:1–15:41 By Jen Smith There are some Torah portions that inspire me immediately. Shelach is not one of them. I love Torah, and I love Judaism. I have devoted much of my life to serving the Jewish people and helping others find meaning in our ancient traditions and rich culture. Yet, every year when I arrive at the story of the man who […]
