by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2023 | Yitro
This portion tells of a visit from Moses’s father-in-law, the eponymous Jethro, and of the Revelation at Sinai. It marks a turning point in the narrative, as from this point forward, more of the text is spent on expounding the law than telling the story. Jethro’s...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2023 | Beshalach
This week’s portion tells of The Children of Israel’s early adventures in the desert, before receiving God’s law at Mount Sinai. Pharaoh once more changes his mind about the Hebrews leaving, and sends his army out after them. God splits the sea, allowing the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2023 | Bo
The portion of Bo is packed with both action and laws. We learn of the last three plagues suffered by the Egyptians, as well as the eponymous Exodus itself. In addition, we are given the laws of Passover, both as they were observed that first time and as they are...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2023 | Va'eira
In this week’s portion, God reassures Moses that, despite the seemingly bleak outlook, all is going according to His plan. He then sends Moses back to Pharaoh to repeat His demands. The portion also outlines Moses’s genealogy and relates the account of the...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2023 | Shemot
The portion of Shemot tells us of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt and sets the stage for their redemption over the three following portions. It recounts how Jacob’s small family grew into a mighty nation and how the Egyptians came to oppress them. It also relates...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 30, 2023 | Shemot, Passover, Parenting
The debate over the most effective parenting styles has been ongoing for decades, with some parents advocating for tough love while others opting for a more nurturing approach. Amy Chua, also known as the Tiger Mom, famously contrasted the Chinese approach to raising...