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]. Ever wonder where the "dual...

In this week's reading, we study the reunion of Jacob and his son Joseph after 22 years of separation. Joseph, who rose from slavery and imprisonment to become Viceroy to the Pharaoh in Egypt, urged his father to join him, so he could provide for him and the family...

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 immediate and...

A merchant once entered the marketplace, his camels loaded high with flax to sell. A blacksmith noticed the spectacle of tall, cumbersome loads of flax, and wondered aloud, "Where will all that flax go?!" A clever fellow answered him, "What's the problem? One blow of...

Jacob was traveling with his family to meet his brother Eisav (Esau) whom he had not seen for many years. Along the journey they passed over the Yabok river. After sending the family across, along with all the possessions, Jacob found himself alone. Why didn't he...

Isaac summoned Esau to give him the blessings of the birthright, blessing of success and prosperity, before his passing. Jacob, who had already purchased the birthright from Esau many years prior, was guided by his mother Rebecca to disguise himself as Esau, and he...