WEEKLY PARASHA

Vayak'heil Exodus 35:1-38:20 After descending from Mt. Sinai with the second set of stone tablets, Moses gathers the people together so that the building of the Tabernacle can begin.  First he reminds them of the importance of observing Shabbat, specifically the prohibition against kindling of fire.  Moses tells the people that God has chosen Bezalel (from the tribe of Judah) and Oholiab (from the tribe of Dan) to serve as the lead artisans. The people continue to donate beautiful materials until Moses informs them that they have more than they need.

Torah and Tikkun November 12, 2010

WEEKLY PARASHA

Parasha Vayeitzei Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 After deceiving Isaac and claiming Esau's birthright, Jacob leaves Beersheba and travels to Haran to the home of his uncle, Laban. On the way, he dreams of a ladder stretching from the ground to the heavens with angels going up and down.  In the dream, God promises the land to Jacob and his descendents. When Jacob arrives in Haran, he falls in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel. Jacob works for seven years with the promise of marrying Rachel, but Laban tricks him into marrying his older daughter, Leah. With a promise of another seven years of labor, Jacob is able to marry Rachel also. Jacob fathers eleven sons and one daughter while living in his father-in-law's household.  Now a successful man, he decides to take his wives and children and return to the land of his father.

TIKUN OLAM... REPAIRING THE WORLD

To find a list of Mitzvah Opportunities on our website, click on: MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES Bring One:  Hunger exists in our community every day.  Due to the great need,we will be collecting non-perishable food at TSTI  on an ongoing basis all throughout the year.  Please drop a can in our collection bins EVERY TIME you come to Temple.    Help needed at the Food Pantry:   TSTI will staff the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges next Wed., Nov. 17, 9:15am to 11am. Due to the holidays, we will staff the Food Pantry on the 3rd (NOT the 4th) Wed. of Nov. and Dec.  Extra volunteers needed.  Please let Janet Schwamm know ASAP if you can make it. Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive for the Community FoodBank of NJ:  TSTI is again the local collection site for the annual Drive for frozen, never thawed, turkeys and non-perishable food. Drop off in the front circular driveway on Sat., Nov. 20 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (sharp)!  For your convenience, TSTI members can also place frozen turkeys in TSTI's main freezer the week of the Drive. The need is overwhelming, and the FoodBank is counting on us!   Donations Needed for STISY's Annual Midnight Run:   Rid your house of unwanted Halloween candy and donate it for the bagged meals distributed to the homeless.  Also needed are large or extra large clothing, hats and gloves, NEW underwear and socks, and NEW toiletries. Collection bins are in the Religious School Lobby now through Dec. 3. Transportation is available for congregants who need a ride to services and temple events.  Contact Alice Forman at (973)736-3467 if you need a ride or if you can offer a ride to others.

Weekly Parsha

WEEKLY PARASHA

Parasha Tol'dot Genesis 25:19 - 28:9 In this week's parasha, Isaac and Rebekah marry and Rebekah gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. The pregnancy is difficult and God tells Rebekah that she is carrying "two nations" and that the "elder shall serve the younger." Esau is born first and Jacob follows "holding Esau's heel." As the twins grow, Esau becomes a skillful hunter in the fields while Jacob remains at home as his mother's favored son. One day when Esau is returning from the hunting field, Jacob convinces his brother to sell him his birthright for a pot of lentil stew.  Years pass and Isaac is old and blind.  Rebekah instructs Jacob to disguise himself as Esau and to deceive Isaac who will then offer Jacob the blessing of a first-born son. Esau is furious and vows to kill his brother.  Rebekah tells Jacob to run away to Haran and find the home of her brother, Laban, where he will seek a wife among Laban's daughters.

Weekly Torah Portion Summary

WEEKLY PARASHA

Parasha Lech Lecha Genesis Chapters 12:1-17:27 In this parasha, God commands Abram (at age 75) to"Go forth from your land, your birthplace, your father's house, to the land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation.." (12:1-2) Abram, Sarai and Abram's nephew, Lot, begin their journey to Canaan. Abram and Sarai are childless and Sarai offers her Egyptian slave, Hagar, to Abram.  Hagar conceives, but Sarai is unkind to her.  An angel appears to Hagar and tells her that she will give birth to a son, Ishmael, who will someday become the father of a great nation.  God promises Abram and Sarai that they, too, will have a son - even in their old age. Their names are changed to Abraham and Sarah.  The ritual of circumcision is commanded in this parasha.