Vayigash 5780-2019
“The Reunion of Jacob & Joseph: An Immortal Lesson about Love”
(updated and revised from Vayigash 5760-1999)
After 22 years of mourning for his lost son, the rabbis state that when Jacob and Joseph are reunited, Jacob could not kiss his son because he was reciting the Shema prayer. What was the reason for Jacob’s odd behavior? Couldn’t he have prayed before or after the reunion with his son?
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Vayishlach 5780-2019
“The Massacre of Shechem, Can it be Justified?”
(Updated and revised from Vayishlach 5760-1999)
The rabbis are challenged deeply by the rape of Dina and the subsequent massacre of the men of Shechem by Simeon and Levi. They try valiantly to explain why Dinah was fated to suffer so horribly. They also debate whether the actions of Simeon and Levi can in any way be justified.
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Va’eira 5780-2019
“G-d Hardens Pharaoh's Heart:
Reconciling Omniscience with Free Will”
(revised and updated from Va’eira 5760-2000)
Our commentators struggle with G-d’s statement to Moses: “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart.” Does this imply that G-d has taken away Pharaoh’s free will? Among the host of responses offered by the commentators, is that Pharaoh hardened his own heart during the first 5 plagues, and was punished five times by G-d hardening Pharaoh’s heart during the last 5 plagues. Many of the responses given by the commentators to this issue are quite insightful and resourceful. They must be studied carefully in order to appreciate them fully.
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Mikeitz 5780-2019
“Who is Osenath the wife of Joseph?”
(Updated and revised from Mikeitz 5760-1999)
The Midrash relates that Dina, who was raped by Shechem, gave birth to a child, Osenath. This child, who was driven from Jacob’s home, is eventually adopted by Potiphar and his wife. Despite the terrible tragedy, Dina’s daughter, Osenath, marries Joseph and becomes the progenitor of two tribes of Israel--Ephraim and Menashe. It is Osenath, the secret heroine, who raises these two children, and keeps them from assimilating in Egypt.
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