Judaism

Torah

Why Did the People Complain Over Manna?

Newsmakers

West Philly Rabbi Gives Benediction at Prayer Breakfast

Local

Does Birthright Stifle Teen Travel?

Chanukah

A Chanu-Crafty Vest

By:

Deborah Hirsch

Every year as Chanukah approaches, Center City resident Eleanor Levie pulls out a black crocheted vest that she spruced up by sewing on a larger-than-life chanukiah and dreidels.

Synagogue Life

Extra Room for Historic Transition

By:

Bryan Schwartzman

Just outside the entrance to Mikveh Israel's sanctuary, a display case houses replicas of letters to the historic congregation from three American presidents: George Washington in 1790, Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1940 offered congratulations on the shul's 200th anniversary. These days, though, the focus at the Old City, Sephardi congregation that sits on Independence...

Torah

Task Is to Do Good, Even When No One's Looking

TOLEDOT, 25:10-28:9

By:

Rabbi Joshua Runyan

It's never easy being someone you're not. But is it evil? Beginning with the forced sale of Esau's birthright to Jacob, progressing through Jacob's stealing of Esau's blessing, and ending with Esau's marriage to one of Ishmael's descendants, this week's Torah portion is a study in deception. Even a cursory reading would indicate that half-truths may be justified in some...

Torah

How Things Finally Fall in Place for Abraham

Hayei Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18

By:

Rabbi Danielle Stillman

One of Webster's definitions of grace is "unmerited divine assistance given man for his regeneration." We often think of grace as a Christian concept, but Judaism also has a concept of undeserved lovingkindness from God. This is the Hebrew concept of hesed.

Torah