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By Jennifer Daley, 3/08/2019
Where do we look? How do we find them?
This week’s Torah portion, Pekudei, concludes the book of Exodus. The construction of the Mishkan or portable Tabernacle used by the Israelites in the desert is complete and we are told of its success. “And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of God filled the Tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34). A temple had been built for God and He has chosen to dwell in it.
The next verse is quite surprising when we realize that Moses and God’s overwhelming presence could not be in the tent at the same time. The Tabernacle was so holy...
Read More By Alyson Malinger, 3/07/2019
As our mission statement says, Women of Reform Judaism is dedicated to creating caring communities, nurturing congregations, and cultivating personal and spiritual growth. We achieve these goals by using our collective voice to speak up and advocate for change.
I was given the immense honor of representing WRJ in the U.S. Capitol last week as we celebrated the 9th annual Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD).
JDAD is an opportunity for professionals and lay leaders from Jewish organizations and diverse communities from around the United States to come to Capitol Hill and...
Read More By Shari Charruthers, 3/01/2019
In Parashah Va-yak’heil God continues the descriptive instructions in the actual construction of the Tabernacle with three specific introductory instructions. The first covers the observance of Shabbat. Moses tells the Israelites that God has commanded that work can occur for six days but on the Shabbat all shall rest and keep this day holy or you shall be put to death. In fact, “You shall kindle no fire throughout your settlements on the Sabbath day.” (Exodus 35:3). This places the importance to be mindful of Shabbat
The second instruction describes the specific materials used in...
Read More By Ival Kovner, 2/25/2019
This essay is published as part of the WRJ “Sharing Our Stories” project – a place where Reform/Progressive women in North America and around the world share personal stories of sisterhood, spirituality and social good in an effort to help us create meaningful connections and better understanding of each other, our shared values, goals and challenges, to share what we have in common as Reform/Progressive Jewish women, and also explore our own unique identities as citizens of different cultures.
Considering oneself fortunate may happen for a number of reasons. It is felt in my life...
Read More By Diane Kaplan , 2/22/2019
Ki Tisa, this week’s Torah portion, is the one I dedicated in “The Torah: A Women's Commentary.” That is because it was the portion on the day I was born. I thought that would be a great starting point for my d'var. I read the portion and did a little research; no such luck. Although this parashah deals with a lot of stuff, this was not going to be about me!
Earlier in Exodus, Moses ascended Mount Sinai. We are now in Chapter 30 and the people are getting restless, and they are pretty sure Moses is not coming back. Meanwhile, Moses is really busy up on Mount Sinai listening to a...
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