“Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He had commanded him.” (Numbers 20:9) Parashat Chukat contains a most fateful episode. The Israelites complain there is no water (as usual). Moses consults with God (as usual). God instructs Moses (as usual). And then unusual happens: Moses apparently doesn’t follow God’s instructions. Instead of speaking [...]
If the Community Wants It, They Will Go
June 12, 2013 | Leave a Comment
This post was written for eJewish Philanthropy and written by Yaron Lipschitz, Program Director of JCC Maccabi Israel. As the director of JCC Association’s teen travel program JCC Maccabi Israel (JMI), I am acutely aware of the need to encourage Jewish teens to visit and spend time in Israel. I am happy to report that [...]
Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)
June 6, 2013 | Leave a Comment
“All the best of the new oil, wine, and grain-the choice parts that they present to the Lord-I give to you.” (Numbers 18:12) Parashat Korach is a “mashup” of four separate rebellions: the Levites against Aaron; Datan and Aviram against Moses; the tribal chieftains against Aaron, and; the entire community against Moses and Aaron. Korach, [...]
JCCs of North America Fantasy Football Challenge is Back!
June 5, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Registration for the third season of the JCCs of North America Fantasy Football Challenge is open, and all fantasy football fans—novice to expert—are invited to play. Twenty JCCs have already opted in, but we are actively looking for more. There is no fee for JCCs, and this is a fun and effective way to raise [...]
First-Time HR Conference Brings Together JCC Professionals
May 31, 2013 | Leave a Comment
As the department concerned with the needs and benefits of a company’s employees, human resources is a crucial part of any organization, big or small, but until now little attention has been paid to it in JCC professional development circles. This is set to change on June 12-13, when JCC Association will be taking an [...]
Parashat Sh’lach L’cha (Numbers 13:1-15:41)
May 30, 2013 | Leave a Comment
“Thus shall you be reminded to observe all my commandments and to be holy to your God.” (Numbers 15:40) Sh’lach L’cha is a fateful parasha (portion). Moses sends twelve men to scout the land of Canaan. When they bring back positive reports, but fear they cannot conquer the land (only two disagree), the people [...]
Parashat B’ha-alot’cha (Numbers 8:1-12:16)
May 23, 2013 | Leave a Comment
“When the ark was set out to move, Moses would say: Advance, O Lord! May your enemies be scattered, and may your foes flee before you!’ (Numbers 10:35) Parashat B’ha-alot’cha records how the Israelites leave Sinai on the twentieth day of the second month of the second year since the Exodus (Num. 10:11). It describes [...]
Discover CATCH Gets a Second Round of Funding
May 22, 2013 | Leave a Comment
The Florida Blue Foundation granted our Discover CATCH: Early Childhood program almost $100,000 for a second round of training at JCCs in Florida, a tribute to the program’s effectiveness. It was one of only four programs to receive additional funding. “We will be able to train staff members from two more JCCs in Florida, Adolph [...]
The Torah as a Way of Life
May 17, 2013 | Leave a Comment
Just two days ago, the Jewish world celebrated Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, the holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is noteworthy that the holiday is called Hag Matan Torateinu, the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah. The [...]
Parashat Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)
May 14, 2013 | Leave a Comment
“So, too, any gift among the sacred donations that the Israelites offer shall be the priest’s.” (Num. 5:9) Parashat Naso (Hebrew for “lift up”) is the longest parasha (portion) in the Torah with 176 verses. It covers a lot of territory: the responsibilities of the Levite clans for transporting the mishkan (sanctuary), maintaining the [...]
