Posts by David Ackerman

“Plead with the Lord that there may be an end of God’s thunder and of hail. I will let you go; you need stay no longer” (Exodus 9:28). Parashat Va’era … Continued

“A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” (Exodus 1:8) Parashat Sh’mot opens the second book of the Torah (also called Sh’mot) by describing Pharaoh’s enslavement of … Continued

“And Pharaoh said, ‘Go up and bury your father, as he made you promise on oath” (Genesis 50:6). Parashat Vayechi describes the end of the patriarchal era: Jacob blesses his … Continued

“I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I Myself will also bring you back; and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes” (Genesis 46:4). Jews throughout history have … Continued

“The seven years of abundance that came to pass in the land of Egypt ended.” (Genesis 41:53) Parashat Miketz describes Joseph’s astonishing ascent from prisoner to power. Pharaoh appoints him … Continued

“Jacob rent his clothes, put sackcloth on his loins, and observed mourning for his son many days” (Genesis 37:34). Xenophobia is much in the news these days. Parashat Vayeshev, which … Continued

“He set up an altar there, and called it El-Elohei-Yisrael.” (Genesis 33:20) Parashat Vayishlach describes Jacob’s journey home after twenty years. It unfolds in three dramatic episodes: his preparations for … Continued

“So Jacob lifted his feet and went toward the land of the easterners.” (Genesis 29:1) Parashat Vayetzei describes Jacob’s flight from Canaan to his uncle Lavan in Haran. Following his … Continued

“Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of fresh water.” (Genesis 26:19) Parashat Toldot reads like a soap-opera: parents play favorites with their children, spouses conspire, … Continued

“Sarah’s lifetime—the span of Sarah’s life—came to one hundred and twenty-seven years.” (Genesis 23:1) Parashat Chayei Sarah describes a family in distress: Sarah dies in the second verse and Abraham … Continued