Blog

Effort by Samantha Clague

In last week’s Torah portion, Shemos, we learn that Pharaoh orders midwives Yocheved and Miriam to kill the male children. He makes this decree to insure that the astrologers prediction of a Jewish savior does not come to fruition. Rather than follow the orders of the king, these courageous women did the opposite

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Sparks of Torah

Why Are We Leaving?

The exodus of the nation from Egypt was certainly a pivotal juncture in our history. A nation enslaved for generations suddenly marches out of captivity as their masters’ empire disintegrates beset by a series of plagues unknown to man. At the helm is Moshe, later described in the Torah as the most humble person on the planet.

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Jewish Humor

Bubbala’s first day of school

A young boy is going to his first day of school. As he is eating his breakfast, his mother says to him, “Bubbala, always be polite to your teacher.”
As she is helping him put on his coat, his mother says, “Bubbala, make sure to study hard.”

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Blog

This Week In Pictures

Last Shabbos, our Women’s Experience division was thrilled to host Chaya Lester from Israel for two days packed with inspiration and education. Here are just a few photos of the fabulous conclusion on Saturday evening.

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Recipes

Sharing our Stories Through Food: Frankfurter Goulash

I was raised in a Hungarian/Jewish household, which means we had lots of Goulash and Paprikash at pretty much every Jewish holiday. However, one of the most comforting foods from my childhood is a simple stew made of hot dogs, potatoes and onions in a paprika-based broth. My mom called it Frankfurter Goulash, and it was a staple in my house growing up – 100% pure comfort food.

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Women's Experience

The Acronym for Shame by Chaya Parkoff

I hope you had a wonderful Shabbat. I know that those of you who attended or all of The Women’s Experience Shabbaton with Chaya Lester had an inspiring and joy filled experience.

There is something so special about women coming together to sing, dance and be inspired.

I was debating whether to write something about this week’s Torah portion, Shemot, or to write about something that has been on my mind. I decided on the latter.

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Sparks of Torah

Viewing The Future From The Past

  At the conclusion of the blessings that Yaakov gave his children the Torah states “this” is what their father spoke to them. The meaning of “this” is cryptic and furthermore, Yaakov had just finished the blessings so what is added by this affirmation? Also, some of the sons received blessings that seem to relate to the spiritual, while others were given more physical blessings. Even the rebuke that some received is of spiritual nature since their censure serves to guide them in the future. Why weren’t the blessings all of the same nature?

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Jewish Humor

The Lost Keys

Shmuel noticed his friend Avrum underneath a streetlight, searching for something on the ground.
“What are you doing, Avrum?”
“I’ve lost my keys. Please help me look for them.”
A while passed with no success.

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Recipes

Sharing our Stories through Food: Chremsel

“This is a recipe my beloved Mother Harriette got from her Mother who came to America from Austria.  No one I have spoken to over the many years is familiar with the Chremsel. It’s easy to make.”

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Jewish Humor

The Farmer and his wagon

Schwartz, an elderly man, is resting peacefully on the porch of his small hotel outside Boca when he sees a cloud of dust up the road. He walks out to see who could be approaching: It is a farmer with a wagon.
“Good afternoon,” says Schwartz.

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Sparks of Torah

The Light of the Dark

The trials and tribulations of Yosef are legendary. A young man of stellar potential cast away from his family, betrayed by his brothers and imprisoned on false charges. Seemingly, these events would be sufficient to destroy the ambition and self-assurance of anyone. Yet Yosef persevered and not only survived but prospered.

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