“Chai” Anniversary of Emailed Torah
When Joseph reunites with his father after their long separation, the Torah describes their encounter by saying, "He appeared before him, fell on his neck, and he wept on his neck excessively." The expression "he appeared before him" (V'Yaira Ailav) is curious, for we...
Single Light That Brightens the World
In the news this week, Japanese researchers have invented a tiny kinetic generator, about the size of a pencil tip, that generates 20 times more power than anything else that size. Powered by vibrations, it could lead to cellphones and similar pocket-sized devices...
Give Evil a Reason to Celebrate!
Our world is one of many challenges -- of that, there is no doubt. Interpersonal conflict, the temptation to be dishonest or to act improperly, physical threats to one's well being -- the challenges abound! To well-meaning people who seek to help others and live...
Understanding Jacob’s Deception
The Torah describes the personality of Jacob as "a pure man." Some may find this surprising, since the Torah also describes Jacob tricking his father into giving him the blessings intended for Esau, and for devising a system through which he became wealthy at his...
For Goodness Sake
When unexpected guests arrive at Abraham's tent, the Torah repeatedly emphasizes his hurry to serve them: "He ran to greet them... Abraham rushed to the tent... he said, 'Hurry!'... Abraham ran to the cattle..." This is the Torah's description of a 99-year-old man,...
The Comfort Zone
In this week's reading, our forefather Abraham is told to leave home. He is to journey to the Promised Land, where, G-d promises, Abraham will grow to be a great nation. But as we know, the Nation of Israel only develops after most of the intervening years are spent...
