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Aug 19, 2022

Shabbat Message: Remember Where Our Success Came From! It's a Big Dill

Without a doubt, my favorite Jewish food is the pickle.  That fermented flavor and hearty crunch is the perfect ending to a corned beef sandwich.  Whenever I am at my favorite deli, I always swap the included side-order for an extra pickle.  And yes, I always choose a half-sour.  

For g…

Aug 5, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Can You Be Rewarded For Something You Didn't Do?

Every year Jewish teen athletes from across the globe come together to experience the magic of JCC Maccabi, the world’s largest Jewish youth sports event. Among the highlights of this unique, Olympic-style Jewish experience are sports competitions; community service; social and cultural even…

Jul 29, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Your Brothers Go Into Battle & You Will Sit Here?!

When we live in comfort and security, it can be difficult to understand the situation of those in peril - even harder to share in the trouble of the unfortunate.  

In this week’s Torah portion, the Jewish people are nearing the end of their journey home. After years wandering and fightin…

Jul 22, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Remembering Dr. Richard Freund

There are some people in this world that are blessed with the courage and vision to make a difference.  

In this week’s Torah portion we read about the division of the Land of Israel and the brave daughters of Zelophehad who (as a result of only men being counted in the census) are witho…

Jul 15, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Sorcerers, Security and Not Dwelling Alone

Not that we needed the reminder – this week’s Torah portion shows us that threats can come from far and wide. We read the account of the sorcerer Bilaam who is summoned by the King Balak of Moab to curse the people of Israel. After being humiliated by his talking donkey, Bilaam moves bet…