Changing the Times
From the entire Book of Genesis, we learn only three Commandments: be fruitful and multiply, circumcision, and to not eat the sinew in the thigh (the same touched by the angel that fought with Ya'akov). The first Commandment given to the nascent Jewish nation, under...
Pharoah and the Jews: a Case Study in Anti-Semitism
It’s possible to read the story of the Exodus repeatedly, yet fail to notice: the same lies that Pharoah told about the Jews over 3300 years ago are the same ones circulated today.
A Labor of Love
In this week's reading, Yaakov parcels out blessings to his sons, based upon his prophetic understanding of their futures. He describes Yissachar as a strong-boned donkey, who saw that "rest" was good, yet "bent his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tasks"...
Leaving Our Land
Even as belief in the G-d of the Jews has spread around the world, other nations still regard the Jews as a different people. Whether given welcome or oppressed, we are different. And to that extent, we are not truly home in any other land. The brothers tell us: we must always look forward to going home.
It Only Looks Like a Snake Pit
In this week's reading, the sons of Yaakov sell their brother Yosef into slavery. First, they take him and throw him into a pit, intending to kill him. But seeing a caravan approaching, Yehudah suggests that they sell him instead, keeping the money while sending him...
You Can Save a Life
What if I told you there was something you could do, right now, that could save a life in Israel? Would you do it? In this week's reading, Yaakov returns to the Land of Israel, only to meet his brother Esav -- who years earlier tried to kill him. Yaakov prepared for...
