Posts by JCC Association

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph.  Is my father still alive?”  (Genesis 45:3) Parashat Vayigash sees Joseph reveal himself to his brothers and reconciles with them.  Jacob comes … Continued

“Pharoah further said to Joseph, “See, I put you in charge of all the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:40) Parashat Miketz describes Joseph’s ascent to power and authority.  He correctly … Continued

“Now Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons, for he was the child of his old age; and he had made him an ornamented tunic.” (Genesis 37:3) JCC Association staff … Continued

“Jacob was left alone.  And a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.” (Genesis 32:25) Some people read the Torah as the word of God. Nahum Sarna (1923–2005; a … Continued

“Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ”Surely the Lord is present in this place, and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16) Parashat Vayeitzei is a real nail-biter. Jacob flees … Continued

“Isaac loved Esau, for game was in his mouth, but Rebecca loved Jacob.”  (Genesis 25:28) Parashat Toldot repeats a familiar motif in Genesis:  brothers in conflict (think Cain and Abel; … Continued

“Abraham was now old, advanced in years, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.” (Genesis 24:1) Parashat Chayei Sarah presents us with history’s first crisis of Jewish continuity.  … Continued

“He said, ‘My lords, if it please you, do not go on past your servant.’”  (Genesis 18:3) The Torah uses two different words, vayomer and vayera, to describe God’s interactions … Continued

“And because he put his trust in the Lord, he reckoned it to his merit.” (Genesis 15:6) If someone told you he had packed up his life and moved halfway … Continued