The Sisterhood of Old York Road Temple-Beth Am will celebrate Rosh Chodesh. 

with a talk on Parashat Vayakhel.  The incredible giving of tzedakah to build the Tabernacle and the Israelites' enthusiastic donations that went beyond the call of duty.

at a member's Huntingdon Valley home.

 For information call 215-886-8000.

Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Presenter: Sue Fleishman

Imagine Beth Am without a building to pray in.  Then imagine our Rabbis announcing, "Everyone, please donate your prized possessions so we may build a sanctuary."  Then try to imagine our congregants giving such copious amounts of gold, silver and jewels to be converted into a sanctuary that our Rabbis have to cry, "STOP, We have enough!"

This scenario happens in Parashat Vayakhel.  The incredible giving of tzedakah to build the Tabernacle...the Israelites' enthusiastic donations...go beyond the call of duty.  Should we look at this as an exaggerated fable, or should we try to incorporate it into personal philanthropy?

You may read in advance the parashat from our bible: Exodus 34:1 – 38:20

An excellent study guide is available from The Torah: The Women’s Commentary.

The Torah: A Women’s Commentary Parashat Vayak’heil