Judaism

Va’eira 5785-2025
“Teaching a New Reality About Divine Power Through the Ten Plagues”
(updated and revised from Va’eira 5765-2004)

The ten plagues are not ten random events. They are carefully structured symbols that come to negate contemporary Egyptian beliefs, and teach very powerful lessons about faith in G-d and G-d’s ultimate power. The ten plagues also successfully work to discredit the power of the chartoomim and chachamim, Pharaoh’s sorcerers and wise men.

“In the Merit of Miriam”
(updated and revised from Shemot 5765-2005)

In this week’s parasha we learn of the birth and development of Moses. We also learn, albeit anonymously, of his mother, father and sister. The Midrash however builds up the role of Miriam (Moses’s sister), portraying her as a formidable and foremost savior and heroine of her people.

“The ‘Sealed’ Torah Portion”
(updated and revised from Vayechi 5765-2004

Parashat Vayechi is the only portion in the Torah that is “sealed,” beginning as a direct continuation of the previous week’s parasha, Vayigash. There are many reasons suggested by the rabbis for this “closure.” Their numerous responses lead us on an intriguing and revealing excursion regarding the role of Galut/Exile.

“And He Fell on His Neck and Wept”
(updated and revised from Vayigash 5765-2004)

At the moment of the dramatic reunion of Jacob and his beloved son Joseph that takes place in parashat Vayigash, Scripture tells us that, “he fell on his neck.” However, we don’t know whether Jacob fell on Joseph’s neck or vice versa. The rabbis explore this issue, and propose a number of truly profound insights.

“Unexpected Parallels between Mikeitz
and the Story of Chanukah”
(updated and revised from Mikeitz 5768-2007)

Parashat Mikeitz is almost always read on the Shabbat of Chanukah, not only because like the Jewish Hellenists of old, Joseph may be viewed as an assimilationist who tries to shed his identity, but also because of the numerous parallels to the festival of Chanukah that may be found in the text of parashat Mikeitz.

“The Vast Majority of the Time, G-d Rules the World!”
(updated and revised from Vayeishev 5766-2005)

Although most of us live our lives under the common assumption that we all have freedom of will, there are times when G-d invokes a Divine plan, requiring human beings to follow a preordained script. In parashat Vayeishev, we see the very dominant role that G-d plays in Joseph’s life, and the inexorable fulfillment of the Divine predictions articulated in the Covenant between the Pieces.