Judaism

“Pharaoh’s Three Counselors”

The rabbis of the Midrash are not satisfied with the causes cited by Scripture (dual loyalty, or the Egyptians’ fear that the Israelites will depart and leave Egypt impoverished) that presumably lead Pharaoh to call for enslaving the Jews and killing their children. The Midrash therefore attempts to tie together all the loose ends in the story of Israel’s experiences in Egypt.

“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?

“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?

"Joseph’s Bold Advice to Pharaoh"

The commentators are troubled by Joseph’s temerity. How does a young Hebrew slave boy, a prisoner, have the chutzpah to instruct the great Pharaoh how to save his country and its citizens from impending famine?

"Tamar: The Paradigm of an Heroic Woman”

Two women play key roles in parashat Vayeishev. One of them, Tamar, emerges as a paradigm of an heroic woman and goes on to impact profoundly on the destiny of the people of Israel.