In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shemos, the shibbud Mitzrayim (Egyptian enslavement) commences with full force. As was in Nazi Germany, the Hebrews in Egypt are libeled and subjected to slander, harassed with financial oppression, subjugated with forced slave labor, and finally, horrifically tortured with infanticide,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayechi, the curtain closes on the book of Bereishis. As we read the final verses of the first book of the Torah, we marvel at the passage of time. Did we not just read “In the beginning G-d created the...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayigash, we learn of the emotional, tear-filled revelation of the Egyptian viceroy, as the ruler of Ancient Egypt and antiquity, powerfully and stunningly declares (what may arguably be the most famous words in all of Bereishis): אֲנִי יוֹסֵף, הַעוֹד אָבִי...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Mikeitz, Yosef the Hebrew, Yosef the slave-boy, Yosef who was stolen from the land of the Ivriim, Yosef, who can’t seem to catch a break from the troubles that befall him, suddenly, without scarcely a moment’s notice, becomes Yosef The...
In this week’s dramatic parsha, Parshas Vayeishev, we move full-steam ahead into the story of Yosef ha’Tzaddik (Yosef the righteous) …. Yosef, whose mother died in childbirth with his younger brother, Binyamin; Yosef, who spends too much time fixing his hair and eyelashes; Yosef, the...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayishlach, we meet our forefather, Yaakov, preparing for his return to Eretz Yisrael. He has worked for his father-in-law Lavan for twenty years - fourteen for his wives and six for his flocks - and with his family and animals,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeitzei, we journey with Yaakov Avinu, who enters the parsha a lonely and hunted man, fleeing the wrath of his brother, Eisav, and ends the parsha a man wealthy in family and flocks. During his twenty year stay at the...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Toldos, Yaakov - who becomes the father of the Shivtei Kah (Tribes of Israel) - and infamous Eisav - grandfather of Amalek, our arch enemy - are born to Yitzchak and Rivka. After twenty years of childlessness, and much prayer,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Chayei Sara, the life of Sarah Imainu comes to a close at the age of 127 years. After purchasing the plot, and burying Sara in the Me’aras Ha’Machpela, Avraham begins the search for the next matriarch, the one who would...
As this week’s parsha, Parshas Vayeira, opens, we meet Avraham Avinu, the bechinas chessed (the chessed personality, par excellence), sitting at the opening to his tent, in the heat of the day, as he watches for passerby. And when three men chance upon him, he runs...