This Shabbat’s parasha is entitled Vayeshev, meaning, “…and he dwelt”. Jacob is back in Canaan. Our attention turns to Joseph, who’s now 17 years-old. Because Joseph was the first-born by Jacob’s late, beloved wife Rachel, Jacob lavishes his greatest affections on Joseph, which doesn’t sit well with Joseph’s brothers. They resent him. The situation is […]

This week’s parasha is titled, Vayishlach, which means “And He Sent,” and covers Genesis 32:3 – 36:43. In last week’s parasha, we heard about how Jacob was finally able to leave Laban after over 2 decades of service.  As Jacob looks to the road ahead, in chapter 32, he sends out messengers to his brother […]

The Tora reading for this week’s Parasha, is entitled Vayetze which means “He Went Out”. It is taken from the book of Genesis 28:10 –32:3. In obedience to his father’s command, “Jacob went out from Beer-sheba and went toward Haran to seek a wife.” He also went out to comply with his mother’s counsel to […]

This week’s Parasha is Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah) and covers Genesis 23:1- 25:18. It starts in chapter 23 with the death of Sarah.  Sarah had lived 127 years and she died in the land of Hebron.  Abraham tells the leaders of the Hittites, who ruled in the land, that he is (and I […]

This week’s Torah portion, entitled Vayera means “And He Appeared.” It covers Genesis 18:1-22:24. The first words of this Torah portion are profound and astounding. God appeared to Abraham, confirming His covenant promise. In chapter 18 Adonai appeared to Abraham, in the form of a man, at the oaks of Mamre, along with two of […]

This week our parasha is Lech Lecha which means “Go Forth” and covers Genesis 12:1-17:27. Parasha Lech Lecha introduces us to the father of the Jewish people, Abram, and his extraordinary faith in Adonai. Genesis 12 begins at what will be the turning point in Abram’s life, the Call of the Lord. The Lord spoke […]

This week’s Torah portion is V’Zot HaBerachah, meaning “And this is the blessing”. It completes the annual cycle of Torah readings and covers Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12. The parasha recounts the blessings Moses gave each of the twelve tribes of Israel before his death. The structure of the blessings is similar in fashion to the way Jacob […]

Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song… Not Sgt. Pepper, but Moses! Our parasha this Shabbat is Deuteronomy chapter 32, entitled HaAzinu “Give ear!” from the Hebrew word ozen (אֹזֶן) ear. It opens this way: הַאֲזִינוּ הַשָּׁמַיִם, וַאֲדַבֵּרָה Give ear, O Heavens, and I will speak! This parasha is comprised of a […]

The Torah reading for this week’s Parasha is entitled Va ye lech which means (He went), it is taken from the book of Deuteronomy chapter 31:1-30. On the very day that Moses turned 120 years of age. He went before the whole of Israel. And spoke these words, “I can no longer go out, or […]

This week’s parasha is titled Kee Tavo, which means “When you come in,” Deuteronomy 26:1-29:9.  This parasha covers regulations regarding tithing once the Jewish people enter the Promised Land, as well as blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Chapter 26 covers tithing.  Each year, the people were required to set aside some of the […]