Bereishit
CategoryThe Secret of the Redemption
“Jacob called for his sons and said, ’Come together’… ‘Gather together’” (Genesis 49:1-2). Jacob wanted to reveal the time of the Redemption to his children, but the Divine Presence left him (Rashi). It was the end of Jacob’s life and he had brought together all of his holy offspring, the twelve tribes. Jacob had accomplished … Continue Reading
Seeing the Light (Chanukah and Yosef)
Perhaps the most dramatic story in the Torah concerns the fraternal jealousy and eventual betrayal of Joseph. It starts by Jacob showing favoritism towards Joseph. The brothers get a sense of this and begin to hate him. Then Joseph relates his dreams to his brothers, telling them how they all bowed down to him in … Continue Reading
Battle Plan
Ever since Jacob had “stolen” the right of the firstborn and its inherent blessings, Esau waited ever so patiently for his father Isaac to pass away so that he could avenge Jacob’s deception. That moment had finally arrived and Esau planned to kill his brother Jacob. “Jacob became very frightened and it distressed him. So … Continue Reading

















