Judaism

The Role of Exile in Jewish History

What is the role that Galut--exile--plays in the history of the Jewish people?

“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.

"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.

"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.