Judaism

"Joseph in Prison: The Commentators Fill in the Details"

Except for interpreting the dreams of the royal butler and the baker, the period of Joseph's imprisonment is described in the biblical text only briefly. The commentators, however, fill in the gaps, weaving a colorful tapestry of Joseph's stay in prison and the challenges that he continued to face daily from the wiley Mrs. Potiphar.

"The Rape of Dinah: Impossible to Fathom!""

Shortly after arriving in the city of Shechem, Dinah, Jacob's daughter, goes out to see the girls of the land and is brutally abducted and raped by the leader of the city, whose name is Shechem. Can the rape of Dinah be explained in any way?

"Punishment Awaits the Evildoers"

The great contemporary Bible commentator, Nehama Leibowitz brilliantly points out that Jacob's deception at the hands of Laban is actually a punishment for deceiving his own father, and for stealing his brother's blessings. Perhaps it's time for the leaders and members of all faiths to speak out against evil and deception within their own religious ranks.

"The Jew Under the Microscope"

Jewish material success in the diaspora has often resulted in resentment of the Jew. This principle is clearly articulated in Isaac's successful endeavors in Grar and his subsequent expulsion.

"The Willing Bride"

When Rebecca is asked by her family members if she wishes to join Eliezer on his journey back to Abraham in Canaan, she responds with a forceful "Yes!" Her response serves as a basis for several important laws that govern parent-child relationships in Judaism.

"Hospitality at Its Finest"

Abraham speaks to his guests as if they are doing him a favor by accepting his hospitality. Can that be true?!