July 22, 2020 / Rosh Hodesh Av 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Today marks beginning of the month of Av, a pivotal point in the Jewish calendar. Lewis’ death adds another layer of sadness as we enter the month of Av and a period of mourning leading to Tisha B’Av, the saddest day in the Jewish year. It is a space for recalling many losses and painful moments in Jewish history while acknowledging that even in the most difficult times, there is a place for hope.
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July 15, 2020 / 23 Tammuz 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion is Guest Commentary by Rabbi Evan Krame, President, Washington Board of Rabbis
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July 8, 2020 / 16 Tammuz 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
One of the most cringe-worthy moments in the life of a company or organization is when a person says, “This is how we’ve always done it.” Perhaps a new employee or board member suggested a strategy on improving workflow or productivity. Or wanted to try a new approach to an ongoing issue. Or questioned the structure of leadership – only to be met with “This is how we’ve always done it.” Ideas and potential for growth are stopped before they even had a chance to start.
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July 1, 2020 / 9 Tammuz 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Hukkat-Balak, includes the story of Balaam, a person sent by Balak,an enemy of Israel, to curse the Israelites.
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July 1, 2020 / 9 Tammuz 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Hukkat-Balak, includes the story of Balaam, a person sent by Balak,an enemy of Israel, to curse the Israelites.
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June 24, 2020 / 2 Tammuz 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Korach, focuses on the Israelites struggling with changing leadership dynamics and the difficulties of moving from the past into the future. This is an ongoing struggle for the Israelites, as seen in previous Torah portions. Our country is experiencing similar challenges – coming to terms with a tumultuous history and learning how to create a more just and equitable society. In difficult times, many people turn to prayer, asking God for strength and healing, as Moses does time and time again.
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June 17, 2020 / 25 Sivan 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach, details the reactions of the group of Israelites who were sent to scout the land beyond the desert which would be known as Israel.
June 15, 2020
Police brutality and racism are problems. Where should our energies go to address them?
Washington Jewish Week
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June 10, 2020 / Shavuot 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotekha, is filled with insights and narratives about the Israelites as they travelled in the wilderness.
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June 10, 2020
Don't Protest: Engage and listen to black people
Washington Jewish Week
June 8, 2020
Covid-19 impacts shine a spotlight on inequity in the classroom
WDVM
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June 3, 2020 / Shavuot 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
It is time to address systemic racism in our communities and our country. American Jews must engage in this process, first by ensuring that Jews of Color are included in the collective voice of our People.
June 2, 2020
Jewish Community of Greater Washington Expresses Solidarity with African-American Community
JCRC of Greater Washington
The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington and dozens of Jewish organizations in the Washington region today issued the following statement following the killing by police of George Floyd and the ongoing response in our region and across the country:
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May 27, 2020 / Shavuot 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Theological differences aside, Shavuot is a powerful affirmation of Jewish peoplehood. The Torah was given to the entire Israelite nation; it provided the essential framework for a distinct identity and culture, as well as a definitive geo-political roadmap for the Jewish people’s journey to its eventual homeland.
May 27, 2020
U.S. Synagogues Unimpressed by Trump's Pressure to Reopen
Haaretz
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May 20, 2020 / 26 lyar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
The Jewish community knows the importance of the census and is well positioned to be a leader in encouraging census participation.
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May 13, 2020 / 19 lyar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah reading, Behar-Behukkotai, focuses on how we interact with each other as a society.
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May 6, 2020 / 12 lyar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah reading, Emor, where the Israelites are commanded to offer a measure of grain each day for seven weeks.
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April 29, 2020 / 5 lyar 5780
Parashat Acharei Mot – Kedoshim
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah reading, Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, in the midst of all the rules and prohibitions, the Israelites are reminded that yes, they must keep the laws – and, according one commentary on the verse, not place their own safety or well-being before upholding the commandments.
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April 21, 2020 / 27 Nisan 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah reading, Tazria-Metzora, deals with sickness, skin afflictions, impurities, and separating oneself from the community when those things
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April 8, 2020
Chag Pesach Sameach, Happy Passover From The JCRC
JCRC of Greater Washington
As Jews worldwide prepare to welcome Passover 2020, we keenly feel its bittersweet resonance. With nearly half the world’s population in some type of quarantine, many of us will celebrate the Festival of Freedom separated from extended family, worried about ill loved ones, and concerned about our own physical, emotional and financial well-being.
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April 1, 2020 / 7 Nisan 5780
Parashat Tzav- Shabbat HaGadol
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This Shabbat is known as “Shabbat HaGadol” or “The Great Sabbath,” marking the last Shabbat before Passover. We chanta special haftarah, reading from the Prophets, which mentions the concept of tithing and ensuring food is available for others.
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March 25, 2020 / 29 Adar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Vayikra, details the sacrificial offerings people should make in response to different incidents.
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March 18, 2020 / 22 Adar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
The Torah reading this week continues the instructions for building the mishkan (tabernacle) and listing the needed materials.
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March 11, 2020 / 15 Adar 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Thankfully, we get a reminder in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tisa.
