The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Yitro and is found in Exodus 18:1-20:23. In this parasha, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro (Yitro) hears about the Exodus and what God has done for the Israelites and comes to visit his son-in-law, bringing Moses’ wife Zipporah and their sons. Jethro acknowledges the greatness of God and offers a sacrifice. The next […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Bo and is found in Exodus 10:1-13:16. In this parasha we conclude the story of the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh’s stubbornness continues, and Egypt experiences the eighth and ninth plagues – locusts and darkness. Moses announces the final plague – the death of the firstborn – to Pharaoh, but once again Pharaoh doesn’t listen. […]
The Torah portion this week is Vaera and is found in Exodus 6:2-9:35. In this parasha, we continue with the story of the Exodus from Egypt. God persuades an unwilling and hesitant Moses to take his brother Aaron, and ask Pharaoh to let the Israelite people go. Moses is already discouraged because, in visiting with his people and […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Shemot and is found in Exodus 1:1-6:1. As we start the book of Exodus, the Torah changes from being the story of a family to the story of a people. The Egyptian king fears and hates the Israelites and enslaves them. When this oppression fails to curb their growth, Pharaoh […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Vayechi and is found in Genesis 47:28-50:26. Joseph’s family now resides in Egypt in Goshen. After a number of years, Jacob calls Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his bedside to bless them before he dies. He blesses Ephraim with the greater blessing as if he were […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Vayigash and is found in Genesis 44:18-47:27. The story continues with Joseph’s brothers still in Egypt and Benjamin being accused stealing Joseph’s divining cup. Judah, the brother who had originally come up with the idea of selling Joseph, steps up and offers himself as a substitute slave, so that Benjamin […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Mikeitz and is found in Genesis 41:1-44:17. Pharaoh dreams of seven lean cows devouring seven fat cows and seven thin ears of grain consuming seven healthy ears. The chief cupbearer who had been in prison with Joseph remembers Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh sends for Joseph, who tells him […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Vayeshev and is found in Genesis 37:1-40:23. Jacob and his family are now settled in Canaan. The parasha begins when Joseph is 17 years old; he is hated and envied by his brothers because he is the favorite of his father. They see him as a tattletale and are perturbed […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Vayishlach and is found in Genesis 32:4-36:43. In this parasha, Jacob and his family continue their journey away from Laban’s home to return to Canaan. After 20 years away, Jacob nervously prepares for a reunion with his brother, Esau, whom he fears still remembers him as the one who stole […]
The Torah portion, or parasha, this week is Vayetzei and is found in Genesis 28:10-32:3. In this parasha, we continue the story of Jacob who has set out for Haran, fleeing Esau’s wrath. He stops for the night and dreams of a stairway (or ladder) between earth and heaven with angels ascending and descending. God speaks to Jacob […]