A Darkness One Can Feel In the interpretative path we are taking, the Pharaoh is not a historical figure but represents a way in which we resist change and growth. […]
Parshat Vaeira
A Hardened Heart A fundamental principle of Mussar is that inner change is possible. Why then does God harden Pharaoh’s heart? The Mussar approach is to seek an answer in […]
Parshat Shemot–How did Moses become Moses?
Shemot (2:11) (Robert Alter, trans.) And it happened at that time that Moses grew and went out to his brothers and saw their burdens.
Midrash Rabbah Shemot (1:27) “When Moses […]
Parshat Vayechi 5778
How is a curse a blessing?
Bereishit (49:28-29) These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this is what their father spoke to them, blessing them, each according […]
Parshat Vayigash
Speaking Directly Bereishit (45:1-3) (Robert Alter, trans.) And Joseph could not longer hold himself in check before all who stood attendance upon him, and he cried, “Clear out everyone around […]
Parshat Mikeitz
Bereishit (41: 15) (Robert Alter, trans.) And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I dreamed a dream and none can solve it, and I have heard about you that you can understand […]
Parshat Vayeshev
Bereishit 37:2-5 And Joseph brought bad reports of them [his brothers] to their father. Now Israel loved Joseph best of all of his sons, for he was the child of […]
Parshat Vayishlach
The narrative peak of Jacob’s story is reached in this parsha. Anticipating confrontation with his brother Esau, Jacob feels fear. However, his conflict is not with his brother, but a […]
Parshat Vayeitzei
Acts of Trickery or Deception Involving Jacob
Jacob takes Esau’s blessing. Rebecca reframes Jacob’s exile as a search for an appropriate bride. Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah. Laban removes […]Parshat Toldot
Bereishit 25:27-28 When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the outdoors; but Jacob was a mild man who stayed in camp. Issac favored Esau […]