Faithless Judaism – Parshas Lech Lecha
The Coincidental Call – Parshas Chayei Sara
A Foreign Language – Parshas Chayei Sara
In The Divine Image – Parshas Bereishis
Summary of Parshas Vayechi
This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, opens by describing the events preceding Jacob’s death in Egypt. Jacob makes Joseph swear that he will bury him in Israel. He then gives his grandsons, Joseph’s two sons, Menashe and Ephraim, a special blessing that elevates them to the status of his own sons (as a result, each of […]
Summary of Parshas Vayigash
This week’s Torah portion, Vayigash, opens as Judah pleads with Joseph (whose identity is still disguised) to free his brother Benjamin. Judah says that his father Jacob will surely die if Benjamin is not brought home, and asks to be enslaved in place of Benjamin. Joseph does not accept the offer. The confrontation intensifies. Finally, […]
Summary of Parshas Mikeitz
This week’s Torah portion, Mikeitz, opens with a description of Pharaoh’s two perplexing dreams. First he sees seven scrawny cows devouring seven fat cows and then he sees seven thin stalks of grain swallowing seven healthy stalks. His advisors are unable to interpret the dreams. The royal butler steps forward. He suggests that they call […]
Parshas Vayeishev
This week’s Torah portion, Vayeishev, tells us of Jacob’s special love for his son Joseph (Rachel’s firstborn child), and how it caused the other brothers to hate him. The brothers are further angered when Joseph tells them about his recurring dreams, each of which implies that he will rule over them. One day, they decide […]
Parshas Vayishlach
This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, opens as Jacob and his family return to Israel after a 20-year stay in Charan. Jacob’s brother Esau (who is still angry with him for “stealing” his blessings) is waiting poised to attack with an army of 400 men. Jacob prepares for the confrontation by sending Esau flattering gifts, praying […]