Category Archives: Shabbat

This week we read the third part of the narrative of the life and times of Joseph as he continues his epic journey from favorite son to viceroy of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself. This week’s portion is Vayigash, … Continue reading →

This week’s Torah portion is Vayeshev, וַיֵּשֶׁב v’yeshev, Genesis 37:1 – 40:23,  Now Jacob dwelled (v’yeshev) in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. Genesis 37:1 From the onset we see an interesting comparison between Jacob and his father: Jacob … Continue reading →

This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 continues with Jacob making his trek homeward. However, instead of rejoicing in the soon to be family reunion, this week’s reading begins with Jacob making plans to survive his imminent encounter with … Continue reading →

I guess he’s makin’ the best of a bad situation,Don’t wanta make waves, can’t you see.He’s just makin’ the best of a bad situation,Reckon I’d do the same if it was me. This chorus, from Making the Best of a Bad … Continue reading →

This week in Parashat Toldot, meaning generations or history, we once again have a tale of two brothers, an elder and younger. It is almost as if HaShem was setting forth the pattern for the making of Hollywood sequels. First, Cain … Continue reading →

The law of first mention may be said to be the principle that requires one to go to that portion of the Scriptures where a doctrine is mentioned for the first time and to study the first occurrence of the … Continue reading →

Genesis 12:1 & 4 – HaShem told Abram to go forth and he did so … almost. The command was “… from your na­tive land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” While Abram … Continue reading →