What is the significance of this place, Pi HaChirot? In fact, it stems from something we learned of long ago but means so much to us now.

The Jewish people are commanded to declare and sanctify the new moon each month. The Sages point to something that is key to becoming the people we want to be.

Source: Mechilta DeRabbi Yishmael Masechta DePischa 2.

Moshe Rabbenu has great news to tell the Children of Israel: God is going to save them, take them out of Egypt, and bring them to the Land of Canaan.

Yet, this uplifting and joyful message could not get through. They were experiencing something that we often experience, with lessons for our own time.

A new king rose over Egypt who did not know Yosef.

The old king knew Yosef, the powerful and influential viceroy who saw Egypt through a difficult time. The new king not only does not appreciate what Yosef has done for his people, but he suspects the children of Israel, worrying that they might escape Egypt and even pose a military threat.

This new king- whatever that means- is an object lesson in moral knowledge and ignorance.

Yosef agrees to bury his father in Israel but Yaakov does not simply take his word for it. Instead, he makes Yosef swear to arrange his burial in the proper manner. Why?

Israel and his children seem to be an emotional group. Their tears say something profound about our people, our faith, and our way of life.

As the old fable has it, the ant that gathers food in the summer has what to eat in the winter, while the grasshopper that spent the summer dancing begins to starve.

Yet, the present is in so many ways stronger than any prior moment.

Yaakov’s predicament is not theoretical. Many families of Israel await news regarding their loved ones. They will not be consoled and neither should we.

What is the meaning of Yaakov's new name, "Israel"? Why is its connection with failure so important?

Leah is not loved most. This is a major part of her life, just like our own disappointments. Yet, she persevered.