(4-5 Minute Read) Genesis 37:1 – 40:23 Vayeshev first notes that Jacob settled in the land of Canaan where his father sojourned. At the age of seventeen, Joseph tended the flocks with his brothers, but he brought bad reports about…
(5-6 Minute Read) Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 In the Torah parasha, portion, of Vayishlach, Jacob sent messengers ahead to his brother, Esau, in the land of Edom. He told them to say, “To my lord Esau, your servant, Jacob, has…
(4-5 Minute Read) Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Vayetze begins its narrative as Jacob departed from Beer Sheva for Haran. On the way after the sun had set, he used a stone for a pillow…
(3-4 Minute Read) Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 Toledot as a Torah portion recounts the generations of Isaac, who was 40 years old when he married Rebekah. His wife was barren, and Isaac pleaded with the Almighty on her behalf. Rebekah…
The Torah parasha, or portion, of Chayei Sarah commences, somewhat ironically, with the death of Abraham’s wife. Sarah’s lifetime came to the ripe old age of 127; she died in Kiryat-Arba near Hebron. Abraham approached the resident Hittites to purchase…
(5-6 Minute Read) Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 The Torah portion of Vayera commences with the Almighty “appearing” to Abraham. Abraham greeted three guests and provided them with generous hospitality. One of the visitors declared, “I will return in one year,…
(3-4 Minute Read) Genesis 12:1 – 17:27 Lekh lekha is a Hebrew phrase generally translated as “Go for yourself,” and is the first key phrase of the Torah portion, or parasha, of the same name. The Almighty first instructed Abram…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 29:9 – 31:30 The combined Torah portion of Nitzavim-Vayelech begins with a reiteration of the Almighty’s covenant with the Jewish people relating to the land of Israel. Moses emphasized that there would be severe consequences for…
(3-4 Minute Read) Devarim (Deuteronomy) 26:1-29:8 Bringing the first fruits of the harvest as a donation before the Almighty is the first theme discussed in the parasha, or Torah portion, of Ki Tavo. Following that, the Almighty through Moses outlined…
(2-3 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Ki Tetse is a Hebrew phrase meaning “when you go out” to battle, and the Torah portion begins with the proper treatment of prisoners of war. Next, the rights of the firstborn son in a…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 The Torah portion of Shofetim begins with a reminder of the system of judges and officers that the Most High through Moses had established for the Jewish people. Moses then elaborated on various commandments relating…
(4-5 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 The Torah portion of Re’eh commences with Moses reminding the Jewish people of the importance of observing the Torah completely, and of the related blessings and curses. Moses noted the Most High’s instructions that offerings…
