In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemos, the Torah narrates the Egyptian enslavement which embittered the lives of the Israelites, broke their bodies and spirit (Rashi to Ex.1:13 and Ex.6:9, respectively) and ultimately led to a period of infanticide when all baby boys born were thrown...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayechi, we learn of the death of Yaakov Avinu at the age of 147 years. We read of the brachos he bestows upon his sons before his death. We learn of his burial in the Me’aras Ha’Machpela. We cry over...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayigash, after the viceroy of Egypt reveals himself to be Yosef ha’Tzadik, the long lost brother of the sons of Yaakov, the brothers ascend to Egypt to bring Yaakov and their families down to Goshen. This joyous reunion is actually...
This week’s parsha, Parshas Miketz, opens with the two dreams of Pharaoh. While Yosef is languishing in prison, Hashem is arranging events so that Yosef’s fate will abruptly change. In his first dream, Pharaoh sees seven skinny, gaunt cows consuming seven healthy, robust cows along...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, the saga of Yosef and his brothers begins to unfold. The narrative begins in our sedra, Bereishis Ch.37, and continues until Yosef’s dying day, with the closing verses of Sefer Bereishis (50:24-26). Born of a different mother, Yosef is different...
In this week’s sedra, Vayishlach, Yaakov (and his family) meet Eisav after Yaakov spent twenty years working at Lavan’s. Fearing Eisav’s wrath, Yaakov prepares for battle by dividing his large family into two camps, sending gifts of appeasement to Eisav, and praying for Divine protection...
This week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei, opens with Yaakov running away from Be’er Sheva, headed to Charan, where he will spend the next twenty years at the home of his uncle, Lavan. Fleeing the wrath of his brother Eisav, it is in Lavan’s home that Yaakov...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Toldos, after twenty years of marriage and a difficult pregnancy, Yitzchak and Rivka are blessed with twin boys. וַיִּמְלְאוּ יָמֶיהָ, לָלֶדֶת; וְהִנֵּה תוֹמִם, בְּבִטְנָהּ - When her term to bear grew full, behold! twins in her womb; וַיֵּצֵא הָרִאשׁוֹן אַדְמוֹנִי,...
In this week’s sedra, Chayei Sarah, we learn of the death of Sarah Imeinu, Avraham’s purchase of the Me’aras Ha’Machpela, and the burial of Sarah (Bereishis 23). After Sarah’s passing, Avraham realizes he must marry-off his son, Yitzchak (Bereishis 24:1 w/ Rashi), who will continue...
In this week’s sedra, Parshas Vayeira, the Torah continues its narrative of the life - and trials - of Avraham and Sarah. The sedra begins with the visit of the three angels (guests) to the tent of Avraham and Sarah. From this chapter we learn...