Two Websites to Start the Week

It's been a busy time around the house, it's really amazing how busy two little people will keep you.

I came across this website the other day. The focus is on Israel - not the political or religious aspects of it, but the social, technological, medical, sports, etc. aspects of it. Definitely worth your time.
reThink Israel

Another fun website that I will need to spend more time on is JewishMom.com. There's a lot there. Articles, videos, "pep-talks". Looks good.

Have a good week everyone!
Shavua Tov!

That's Living

I do not usually post sad stories, but there are times that we learn about inspirational people, people we didn't even know existed, but made the world around them a better place - this is one of them.

Sometimes we don't know a person until they are gone. We look at their lives and from them try to figure out how to improve our own.

Take a moment to read about Gershon Burd, gone too young, but having lived a full life.
The Secret Life of Gershon Burd

Parshat Lech Lecha

It's amazing how time flies by so quickly. We're already three weeks into the book of Bereisheet.

This week we read Parshat Lech Lecha - the one where G-d tells Avram (later Avraham) to leave his home and travel to a place that He will show him.

What's interesting about the Torah is that we can read the same narratives year after year and learn new things. Perhaps a new thought is brought to our attention, or we see the same idea in a deeper way.

Here are a few different thoughts on the parsha this week:
Lech Lecha in a Nutshell
Was Abraham the First Feminist?
Can a Change of Name Create a Change in Destiny?
Rabbi Sacks: The Courage Not to Conform

Shabbat Shalom! Good Shabbos!

Who Knew Washing Your Hands Could Be Fun?

This is awesome! No joke. Read the article and watch the video.

Israeli hospital hygiene rap goes viral: 
Breakdancing during surgery? Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem gets its staff to sing and dance about hand-washing.

He'll Be Fun To Watch

This sounds like a fascinating young man. Hockey player... children's author... Jew. Pretty amazing.

Jewish hockey player not your typical children’s author

How Well Does Your Synagogue/Temple Fit You?

Welcome back from the Holidays everyone! Back to a full work week... shucks :)

This article is an interesting one - one that I would like to follow up with. What are your issues with your synagogue/temple? Why do you enjoy going? Or do you? What parts would you keep, dump or improve? Being part of a community is very important - how do you see your synagogue/temple as part of that?

Or - Do you not belong to a synagogue/temple at all? Is being part of a community a consideration for you? Why/Why Not?

Dues Are Not The Sole Stumbling Block for Young Families

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