The Fire of Money
In Parshat Ki Tisa, each Israelite is instructed to give a half-shekel to the “temple fund” every year. There is a midrash – a story told by rabbis to teach a lesson – about this portion. Rabbis say that God took a fiery coin from under His heavenly throne, showed it to Moses and said: “Like this shall they give.”
What can we learn from the image of a fiery coin? The rabbis say that fire can be destructive if misused, but can be very useful and beneficial if used properly. And so it is with money. Perhaps money is – or can be – the “root of all evil,” but it can also be used for charity and acts of kindness.
Back Words
Solve the clues. The second answer is the first answer written backwards!
Give money
– – –
A high-pitch bark
– – –
A Yiddle Riddle
Turn the following description into two words.
A scratchy inflammation in the middle of your body.
Now, put the two together to get one Hebrew word and one big prize!
Being Jewish in America
Written by a fifth grade,
Emek Hebrew Academy
It is difficult sometimes to be one of a small number of Jews in America and in L.A., especially around Christmastime, when a lot of stores are sporting trees, lights, etc. Yet, somehow, my family manages to celebrate Shabbat, keep kosher and go to a Jewish school. There are lots of churches in L.A., but there are also a lot of shuls and Jewish organizations that make it easier and more fun to be a Jewish American!
