Vayeishev 5776-2015
“The Rise and Fall and Rise of Joseph”
The story of Joseph is not a simplistic narrative. It is a profound handbook of life’s lessons and meanings.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayechi 5775-2014
“Jacob Remembers Rachel”
Although Joseph had already sworn to his father, Jacob, that he will bury his father in Canaan, Jacob unexpectedly raises the issue of Joseph’s mother, Rachel, and the fact that Jacob had failed to bury Rachel in the Machpelah Cave together with the other Matriarchs and Patriarchs.
0 Comments5 Minutes
Vayigash 5775-2014
"Joseph Calms His Brothers"
With his terrified brothers standing before him expecting the worst, Joseph not only reveals himself but gently and generously calms them, attempting to relieve them of feelings of guilt and vengefulness.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Bereshith 5775-2014
“The Sad Destiny of the Firstborn Children”
A prominent feature of the book of Genesis is the struggle for dominance between the first born and the younger siblings. In each instance, the younger sibling is chosen to serve as leader.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Pinchas 5774-2014
“The Battle for Women’s Rights”
Especially among those who have limited familiarity with the original scriptural sources, it is often perceived that women are regarded by Jewish tradition as being submissive and subservient to men, eager to fulfill the men’s will. Rabbi Yaakov Philber shows that this is a thoroughly incorrect perception.
0 Comments11 Minutes
Vayechi 5774-2013
“Reconciliation and Death”
The Midrash greatly embellishes the final chapters of Genesis by adding fascinating details regarding the reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers and Joseph’s demise.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Vayigash 5774-2013
“The Dreams and the Divine Covenant”
As Jacob’s entire family bows down before Joseph, all of Joseph’s dreams finally come true. But not only Joseph’s dreams come to fruition, the prophesies and predictions of the Covenant between the Pieces have also begun to be realized.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Mikeitz 5774-2013
"What’s in a Name? Zaphenath-Paneach"
While it is necessary for Pharaoh to add to Joseph’s public stature by dressing him as a noble Egyptian, why was it necessary for Pharaoh to rename Joseph?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayeishev 5774-2013
"Reuben is Credited with Saving Joseph’s Life"
Why was Reuben credited by scripture for saving Joseph’s life, when it was really Judah who advised the brothers to sell Joseph rather than kill the lad?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayeitzei 5774-2013
"Jacob Separates from Laban"
There is much to learn from the complex separation process that takes place between Jacob and his wily father-in-law, Laban.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayechi 5773-2012
“The Patriarch Jacob Did Not Die!”
The word “va’yah’maht”--and he died--is not mentioned regarding Jacob’s passing, whereas at the passing of both Abraham and Isaac, the Hebrew word for death is mentioned. Consequently, our rabbis, of blessed memory, maintain that this implies that our father Jacob did not die. Just as Jacob’s descendants live on, so does Jacob.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Vayigash 5773-2012
"Is My Father Still Alive?"
From his own childhood experience of studying the story of Joseph and his brethren, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik teaches a most profound lesson about appreciating parents, and cherishing their spiritual legacy.
0 Comments13 Minutes
Mikeitz 5773-2012
"Two Long Years in Joseph’s Life"
The commentators are puzzled by the delay of two years from the time that Joseph interpreted the butler’s and the baker’s dreams, until he is called to interpret Pharaoh’s dream.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayeishev 5773-2012
“Heaven-Sent Spices”
A seemingly simple verse about Joseph’s brothers sitting down to eat bread, and seeing an Ishmaelite caravan from afar, proves to be a treasure-trove of insights into human nature that has broad and far-reaching implications.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Vayigash 5772-2011
"Joseph and Judah: A Confrontation for Posterity"
The confrontation between Judah and Joseph was not only intended to achieve the release of Benjamin, but was a struggle for the leadership of Israel between two larger-than-life brothers.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Mikeitz 5772-2011
"Joseph Takes His Brother Simeon Hostage"
Joseph’s decision to take Simeon hostage was not at all coincidental. Why was Simeon singled out from among all Joseph’s brethren? When analyzing this episode in depth, the commentators reveal that many subliminal issues were in play.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Vayeishev 5772-2011
“Interpreting the Dreams of Others”
In Canaan, Joseph dreamed about himself and his family. Now, a prisoner in Egypt, others were the dreamers, and Joseph becomes the interpreter of their dreams.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayechi 5771-2010
“A Very Imposing Camp”
The Torah informs us that when Joseph and his family went to bring his father Jacob to Canaan for burial, they were accompanied by both chariots and horsemen--a very imposing camp. Was this great retinue a reflection of the Egyptians’ enormous respect for Jacob and Joseph, or were there other, more nefarious, reasons for this show of respect?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayigash 5771-2010
“When a Jew Goes Down to Egypt”
How is it that for 22 years, the second most powerful person in Egypt never found the opportunity to visit the land of Canaan if only to see his beloved father and family, from whom he had been so brutally separated?
0 Comments9 Minutes