February 7, 2020
MCPS unveils new plan to combat hate, bias in schools
Bethesda Magazine
February 6, 2020
How Montgomery County Public Schools is tackling student vaping, hate on campus
WTOP News
February 6, 2020
Montgomery County schools overhaul policies to address hate and bias
The Washington Post
February 5, 2020 / 10 Sh'vat 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Our Torah portion for this week reminds us of the power of faith, using the Song of the Sea as an anthem.
February 1, 2020
MLK Day Injects Historic Urgency to Bond Between African Americans and Jews
Haaretz
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January 29, 2020 / 3 Sh'vat 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Bo, we learn that we should establish one law for the citizen and the stranger.
January 22, 2020
Do we need two days to commemorate the Holocaust?
Washington Jewish Week
For those who traditionally mark the Holocaust on Yom HaShoah, this other, U.N.-led memorial day (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) may seem odd. So how are these two days different? And do we need two days to remember the Holocaust and mourn the 6 million murdered Jews?
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January 22, 2020 / 25 Tevet 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Our voices are better heard when we join together in unison, with a shared vision and goal.
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January 20, 2020
Mayor of DC’s old sister city comes for reunion
Washington Jewish Week
January 20, 2020
Beit Shemesh Mayor Aliza Bloch visits Washington
The Jerusalem Post
January 17, 2020
Here's why some DC residents won't be attending the 2020 Women's March
WUSA9
January 16, 2020
Mayor of Israel’s Fastest Growing City Brings Leadership Vision to Washington DC
Israel 365
January 16, 2020
First female mayor of Beit Shemesh on first visit to Washington
Arutz Sheva
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January 15, 2020 / 18 Tevet 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
It is not enough for our communities to hear of each other’s pain. We can and must be present for each other, but we also need to plan for the future. When Pharaoh decreed that all male Israelite babies be killed, the midwives saved the babies and ensured a future for the Israelites. They knew that without the next generation, there was no hope.
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January 12, 2020
‘Nobody needs another pink hat’: Why the Women’s March is struggling for relevance
The Washington Post
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January 8, 2020 / 11 Tevet 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
In this week’s Torah portion, we reach the end of Jacob’s life journey. Our third forefather lies on his deathbed having his final reckonings, both positive and negative, with his sons. Interestingly, he includes in that group his two grandsons, Ephraim and Menashe, who were born to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine like Reuben and Simeon.” He then offers his blessing to Joseph and thereby the Jewish people, by placing his hands on these two grandsons.
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January 2, 2020 / 5 Tevet 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, deals with Joseph revealing himself to his brothers and reuniting with his father, Jacob.
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December 18, 2019 / 18 Kislev 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Vayeshev, is filled with encounters that have lasting effects, although the impact is not always immediate or clear.
December 13, 2019
JCRC of Greater Washington
As we close out the week, we write to say Shabbat Shalom and reflect on this week filled with news important to the Jewish community: the tragic shooting in New Jersey, the President’s Executive Order about Anti-Semitism, and newly called elections in Israel.
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December 13, 2019
JCRC of Greater Washington
As we close out the week, we write to say Shabbat Shalom and reflect on this week filled with news important to the Jewish community: the tragic shooting in New Jersey, the President’s Executive Order about Anti-Semitism, and newly called elections in Israel.
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December 13, 2019
Shabbat Reflections, Friday, Dec. 13, 2019
JCRC of Greater Washington
As we close out the week, we write to say Shabbat Shalom and reflect on this week filled with news important to the Jewish community: the tragic shooting in New Jersey, the President’s Executive Order about Anti-Semitism, and newly called elections in Israel.
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December 11, 2019 / 11 Kislev 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
The struggle is real and exists on many fronts. Antisemitism, a history of persecution, and lack of understanding between Jewish groups are some of those struggles. Jews persevere through these hardships, but it would be great if they didn’t happen so often – or at all.
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December 4, 2019 / 6 Kislev 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Vayetzei begins with Jacob’s interactions with the Divine. He dreams of a stairway leading to heaven, angels going up and down it, and God blessing him.
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November 27, 2019 / 29 Cheshvan 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
As you are reading this, I am at my parents’ house in New Jersey. It’s good to be home for the holidays. I love Thanksgiving and all that comes with it. Families gathering from all over, the travel plans, the food, total participation in this very American holiday.
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November 20, 2019 / 22 Cheshvan 5780
Two Minutes of Torah with Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
This week’s Torah portion, Chayei Sarah, opens with Abraham finding a suitable piece of land for burying Sarah. Abraham will eventually be buried in the same location. This poignant vignette exemplifies the mitzvah of kavod ha-met, honoring of the deceased, Abraham burying Sarah in a space that was designated for her and her family members demonstrated his love and respect for her. Like Abraham, we too bury our loved ones with dignity, in respectful and well-maintained spaces.
