Rabbi Dani Appel, the JLIC educator for University of Illinois, provides an insight into the repetition of the word “give” in Parshat Ki Tavo and how that relates to the ancient commandment of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits of the harvest to the Temple in Jerusalem. Find yourself at JLIC-Illinois: www.illinihillel.org or reach out to
Hart Levine, who helps foster grassroots Jewish experiences on campuses through The Heart 2 Heart Project, explains an interpretation of Ki Teitzei that talks about reconnecting to wayward members of your flock, not of livestock, but of your Jewish community. Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myNCSYAlumni Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ncsyalumni Find out more about H2H at http://theheart2heartproject.org
We all find ourselves enjoying the status quo. We may not want to call it complacency, we may not look at ourselves as unwilling to move, to do, but if we are honest with ourselves, we are often enjoying the what is, and not thinking or considering what can be. Too many of us feel a bit too complacent about the world around us and start to think this is what it’s supposed to be. Well, this is a wake up call for all of us. Hashem is calling from the pages of Noachs life: Tzei min ha teiva! Get out and make a difference in the world around you!
Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan is beginning his 10th year as the JLIC Rabbi in the Hillel at UCLA. His involvement with the OU dates back decades as he was active in NCSY, attended NCSY Kollel, served on Regional Board in NJ and was the chapter advisor of Allentown PA. He met his wife, Sharona, in NCSY where she was chapter president and chapter advisor of NCSY in Teaneck. Together with their four children they are honored to continue working for the OU in Los Angeles teaching, mentoring, programming and creating memorable Shabbat and holiday experiences.
“And to the judge, who will be in those days” — Shoftim, Judges, 16:9 What’s the underlying meaning of this phrasing? Rabbi Marchuck, alumnus of NCSY Long Island and director of NCSY Alumni Connections shares two stories that have to do with judgements in Jewish law.
With Tisha B'av having fallen out so early, it leaves us with six weeks until school starts. Which gives us weeks of carefree summer fun without the specter of Tisha B'av and the three weeks to ruin our plans. Normally these weeks are swallowed up by the frenzy of back to school activity, everyone returning from summer plans, buying back to school supplies, and spending a little bit of time preparing for the Yamim Noraim before they hit. But this year, we won't even be able to warm our desk chairs before we will be dipping our apples in honey.
D'var Torah, Parsha Pinchas: "Ganodlofini, who unfortunately passed away recently, represented a struggle similar to the one facing Moshe Rabeinu (lehavdil) at the end of Parshas Pinchas as he prepares for his own death."
By: Benjamin Klein (advisor for Atlantic Seaboard NCSY) Is Good Intent Enough? This week’s parsha is loaded with amazing stories and shocking events. After reading about the counting of all the Jews, and a delving into the jobs of the Levite tribe, we are met with the crazy story of the spies and their downfall,