Vayigash 5779-2018
“The Innocent Victim”
When Joseph asked, "Is my father still alive?" he was asking his brothers how could they have been so unconcerned for the feelings of their poor father Jacob, who for 22 years, was inconsolable over the loss of Joseph.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Mikeitz 5779-2018
"Why Did You Treat Me So Badly"
There was but a single instance in Jacob’s life where he complained to G-d about being treated badly. Jacob’s faithful attitude teaches the importance of having faith in G-d at all times, and that even in times of darkness, we must look forward to the dawning of a beautiful sun-filled tomorrow.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayechi 5776-2015
“Jacob Maintains a Bitter Grudge Against Simeon and Levi”
Why does the patriarch Jacob seem to be more angry with Simeon and Levi at the end of his life, than when they attacked and killed all the men of Shechem?
0 Comments12 Minutes
Vayigash 5775-2014
"Joseph Calms His Brothers"
With his terrified brothers standing before him expecting the worst, Joseph not only reveals himself but gently and generously calms them, attempting to relieve them of feelings of guilt and vengefulness.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Mikeitz 5775-2014
“Why Did Joseph, the Viceroy of Egypt, Never Contact His Aged Father?”
Joseph had already served for nine years as the second most powerful person in Egypt when his brothers come to Egypt to buy food. Why hadn’t the all-powerful Joseph previously contacted his family in Canaan, or at least informed them of the impending famine?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Mikeitz 5772-2011
"Joseph Takes His Brother Simeon Hostage"
Joseph’s decision to take Simeon hostage was not at all coincidental. Why was Simeon singled out from among all Joseph’s brethren? When analyzing this episode in depth, the commentators reveal that many subliminal issues were in play.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Vayishlach 5770-2009
"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?
0 Comments10 Minutes
Vayigash 5767-2006
"Two of the Seventy Souls"
The Torah lists 70 descendants of Jacob who entered Egypt. Two names seem to be out of place among the 70 "souls" that are recorded: Serach, the daughter of Asher, and Shaul, the son of the Canaanite woman. Who were these unusual people, and why were they singled out?
0 Comments8 Minutes