by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Dec 7, 2023 | Lifeline
In this week’s reading, Yosef is sold, enslaved, and taken to Egypt, where he is purchased by Potiphar, chief executioner to Pharoah. He soon earns Potiphar’s trust, such that Yosef is entrusted to manage Potiphar’s house and all his property [Gen....
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Nov 24, 2023 | Lifeline
The Torah says that after Yaakov left his parents, fleeing from his brother Esav, “he came to the place” [28:11]. Rashi explains that he came to Mount Moriah, the same “place” mentioned previously, when Avraham brought Yitzchak to that same...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Nov 17, 2023 | Lifeline
Rivka told her son Yaakov that he must take food to his father, Yitzchak, and receive the blessings that her husband intended to bestow upon their older son, Esav—but Yaakov was reluctant. If his father realized, he said, “I will have brought upon myself a...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Nov 2, 2023 | Lifeline
One of the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov is found in a popular Jewish tune: “All the world is a very narrow bridge, and the main thing is not to be afraid at all.” He was speaking about the physical world—because, when it comes to fear of Heaven,...
by Rabbi Yaakov Menken | Oct 27, 2023 | Lifeline
Since the horrific massacres that took place in the Land of Israel earlier this month, students on campus have faced rallies for “Palestine” that quickly devolved into explicit Jew hatred. Earlier this week, so-called protesters discovered that there were...
