Monthly Archives: December 2013

This week’s Parasha provides a very important lesson about showing respect when criticizing others — even evil and incorrigible individuals. Moshe and Aaron first simply ask Pharaoh to let our people leave. This does not go particularly well. But before … Continue reading →

In this week’s Parasha, Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers after the drama of the Benjamin/goblet frame up. Joseph has the most exquisite opportunity to settle the score with his brothers after what they did to him and to … Continue reading →

Joseph was a very special person indeed. Our sages say he had the 3 gifts of a true leader. Having just one of the gifts would be a blessing, but having all 3 gave him the ability to be a … Continue reading →

After being sold by his brothers, Joseph was taken to Egypt and purchased as a slave by Potiphar. The Parasha relates that Potiphar’s success improved as he put Joseph in charge of different projects, We read that God was with … Continue reading →

As Jacob prepares to meet Esau, the Torah says that Jacob took his wives and his eleven sons across the river. Genesis 32:23. Benjamin was not born yet, so the reference to 11 sons was correct, but what of his … Continue reading →

Jacob finally arrives in Haran fourteen years after fleeing home to avoid Esau’s revenge. His mission now is to fulfill his parents’ instructions to find a wife among his mother’s people. On arrival and waking from the famous ladder dream, … Continue reading →

When Eisav decided at age 40 that he needed to settle down, he married 2 Hittite women. Eisav knew that Zayde Avraham had prohibited marriage to Canaanites. The Hittites were idol worshippers. After all the trouble that Avraham went to … Continue reading →

The name of this week’s Parasha is Chayei Sarah—Sarah’s Life. This is ironic since the Parasha actually begins with Sarah’s death. Is it ironic though? How can we tell or evaluate the true meaning of a life until it is … Continue reading →