Sharing the Burden
The Sages tell us that the tribe of Yissachar distinguished itself through devotion to Torah study. Yaakov foresaw this, and even among the blessings given to his sons, this one is unusual: "Yissachar is a strong donkey, who rests between the borders. And he saw rest,...
The Institution of Jewish Learning
In this week's reading, when Yaakov goes down to Egypt he sends his son Yehudah (Judah) to "show the way" in front of him, down to Goshen where they were to settle [Gen. 46:28]. In the original, the word "l'horos" would more accurately be translated "to instruct" or...
Restoring and Spreading the Light
Chanukah is one of only two celebrations added to the Jewish calendar by the Rabbis, the other, of course, being Purim. Rabbi Yosef Karo points out that unlike Purim, which has an obligation for a celebratory meal and rejoicing, Chanukah is about singing praises and...
At the Darkest Moments
When Yosef's brothers see a caravan of Arab merchants coming towards them on its way to Egypt, Yehudah suggests that they sell him -- because as Reuven had asked, they did not kill him, leaving him instead in a dangerous pit. The convoy itself is identified in the...
Kindle the Empathy
One Friday, Daniel Goleman, renowned psychologist and Best Selling author of Emotional Intelligence, was going down to the subway during rush hour. Suddenly, he noticed a shirtless man curled up on the side of the staircase, not moving. Hundreds of people were just...
Recognizing Your Worth
In this week's reading, Yaakov works for his father-in-law, Lavan, for fourteen years, in return for the privilege of marrying Lavan's two daughters. Then he goes to Lavan and says, I have a family to feed as well, so I need to make some money for myself also. And in...
