​ The Torah teaches us in Parshat Lech Lecha, that Abraham was commanded to leave his native land and his father’s house. Previously in Genesis, we read that Abraham’s father, Terach, initiated a journey away from Ur and was joined by Abraham, Sarah and Abraham’s nephew, Lot. While we could read this parasha as encouraging us, like Abraham, to leave our families behind, the Rabbis carefully remind us that Abraham did not abandon his father in his old age. Abraham’s shared his

​ In the last two weeks we have read about how our lineage traces back to Adam and Noah. The Torah tells us that we were divided as a consequence of building the Tower of Babel: explaining diversity of language and the spread of population out from the Fertile Crescent. These texts demand radical imagination of us; it asks us to remember our common father. May Shabbat help us conceptualize a core belief of Judaism; we were all created in the image of God.

​ Applications are now being accepted for UChicago students interested in learning, listening and expressing their opinions about core issues related to Israel. Students accepted to this interactive 5-week seminar will be representative of the diversity of Israel experiences and opinions. The students will agree to speak honestly, listen openly and be respectful of others and their opinions. Applications are due by Wednesday, Oct. 21 and acceptances will be sent out by Friday

This week we began the Torah again, with stories of creation, transgression, birth and murder. Cain’s murder of his brother Able shows us the initial act of human violence. In these few passages, we witness the potential within a human being to ruthlessly take the life of another person. Since the beginning of October there have been multiple stabbings and acts of violence in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. We have seen three shootings on college campuses. In this moment, Tor

Join us on Tuesday, October 13 for Hillel's first multicultural discussion of the year. Led by fourth years Maya Handa and Gabriel Nathan, we will discuss what it is like to be Jewish in places that are not normally associated with Judaism and don't have large Jewish populations. MENU: -migas* (think Tex-Mex matzo brei) -dal** -dessert TBD 6pm to learn how to cook 7pm to eat and participate in the discussion RSVP on Facebook here *http://www.seriouseats.com/2014/0

Creative Early Childhood Educator Needed The Jewish Enrichment Center seeks an experienced early childhood educator to work with our nursery children. The Jewish Enrichment Center is a place where children can play and explore Judaism in ways they want, with materials that spark imaginations. It’s a Sunday and after school program that fosters friendship, curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. Our long-term projects let children express their ideas about Judaism in clay,