by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Dec 24, 2021 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading we are introduced to a new Pharoah, “who did not know Joseph” [Ex. 1:8]. Pharoah had an imagined, entirely unfounded worry: “And it will be, if a war will occur, that he [all the Jews] will join our enemies” [1:10]....
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Dec 3, 2021 | Lifeline
At the beginning of this week’s reading, Joseph seems to be in a hopeless situation. Not only has he been separated from his family, sold into servitude in Egypt, but he has been thrown into prison as well. But when it was time for his redemption, it was...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Oct 14, 2021 | Lifeline
Our reading this week begins, “And G-d said to Avram, go for yourself, from your land, and from your birthplace, and from the house of your father, to the land that I will show you” [Gen. 12:1] Rav Shamson Raphael Hirsch explains that this is in no way repetitive....
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 27, 2021 | Lifeline
This week’s reading begins with the Commandment of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Holy Temple, and other gifts that were given to the Priests, Levites and the poor. Having finished the process at the end of the third year, the farmer declared,...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Aug 13, 2021 | Lifeline
The traditional naming of the five books and the weekly readings in the Torah is done by simply using the first uncommon word of the book or reading. This week’s reading, though, is aptly named, for it begins with Shoftim, judges, and many of the 41 Commandments...
