“Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dream of Pharaoh is a single one; what God is about to do, He has told to Pharaoh.” (Genesis 41:25) Something astonishing happens in Parashat … Continued
Parashat Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)
“Once Joseph had a dream which he told to his brothers and they hated him even more.” (Genesis 37:5) Parashat Vayeishev introduces the saga of Joseph and his brothers, the … Continued
Light unto the Nations
Tomorrow night the Jewish world will light the first candle of Hanukkah, a holiday celebrating the Jewish rebellion against their Assyrian-Greek oppressors. Hanukkah has come to symbolize our everlasting struggle … Continued
Parashat Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43)
“God said to him, “You whose name is Jacob, you shall be called Jacob no more, but Israel shall be your name.” (Genesis 35:10) Parashat Vayishlach is pretty suspenseful: Jacob … Continued
Parashat Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3)
“And Jacob went out from Beer Sheva and went toward Haran.” (Genesis 28:10) Why are Jews called Jews (as opposed to Reubenites, or Levites, or Benjaminites)? Parashat Vayeitzei provides one … Continued
Highest ranking Jewish military chaplain to head JWB Jewish Chaplains Council
For immediate release Rabbi Irving Elson, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the highest-ranking Jewish chaplain in the U.S. military when he retired in September, has become … Continued
Parashat Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:8)
“But the children struggled in her womb , and she said, ”If so, why do I exist?” and she went to inquire of God. ” (Genesis 25:22) Parashat Toldot introduces … Continued
Parashat Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)
“They called Rebecca and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” (Genesis 24:58) The Torah is typically parsimonious with words, so why … Continued
Parashat Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24)
“Avraham journeyed from there to the land of the Negev, and he lived between Kadesh and Shur.” (Genesis 20:1) If “honesty is the best policy” why does God fudge the … Continued
Parashat Lekh Lekha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)
“And Abram moved his tent and came an dwelled in the plains of Mamrei which are in Hebron; and he built there an altar to Adonai.” (Genesis 13:18) In Parashat … Continued