Judaism

“Blessing the Children--Revisited”

One of the most meaningful and powerful rituals in Judaism--blessing the children on Friday nights and Jewish holidays, is derived from Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe, found in parashat Vayechi.

“Returning the Stolen Goblet to Joseph”

Returning the stolen goblet to Joseph raises many fascinating Jewish legal questions regarding returning lost and stolen objects to non-Jews.

“The Jealousy Between Brothers”

Why did Jacob favor Joseph, after all, Benjamin was his youngest son? Why was it necessary for Jacob to send Benjamin to Egypt, after all, the prophecy of going down to Egypt had been mostly fulfilled?

“Three Wells ”

Wells play an important role in the Torah and in Judaism. It is interesting to contrast the well of Jacob, with the wells of Eliezer and Moses in Midian.

“Isaac’s Unconditional Love for Esau”

Isaac’s unconditional love for his prodigal son, Esau, serves as a model for all parents, and the inevitable challenges faced in childrearing.