The Torah begins with God creating the universe and mankind. Though God is concerned with all of mankind, He eventually chooses Avraham and his family to be His messengers to the world.
This week’s parsha ends with Joseph in prison.
He’s been a model prisoner and has been put in charge of all the other prisoners.
Then Pharaoh gets angry with his chief butler and chief baker and throws them into the same prison with Joseph.
One night the butler and baker have dreams that leave them troubled.
Vayeitze 5775
It’s easy to detect the competition between Rachel and Leah for Jacob’s affections in Parshat Vayeitze.
Though Yaakov married both sisters, it’s clear that Rachel was his favorite.
There’s a lesson in Parshat Lech Lecha that is easy to overlook.
It’s found in the middle of the parsha and that’s probably part of the reason why it’s overlooked.
Esau and Jacob (in Hebrew: Esav and Yaakov) were twins.
Because Esau was born a few minutes before Jacob, he had the privileges and responsibilities of the firstborn.
There is a phenomena that we all see from time to time – a person who carefully observes Jewish ritual but seems to be lax when dealing with people.
In this week’s parsha we see how Abraham dealt with people during a very difficult time in his life.
This parsha records the birth of Yitzchak (Isaac), the son of Abraham and Sarah.
His name is derived from the Hebrew word for laughter. It’s an appropriate name since both of his parents laughed when they heard that they would have a child.
Our Sages tell us that Parshat Vayeira happened three days after Abraham circumcised himself. He was recovering from the circumcision and God appeared to him.
Parshat Lech Lecha 5773
In a previous article I asked:
How did Abraham stay inspired all these years? Why didn’t the gaps, the long years of silence, wear him down?
Parshat Lech Lecha 5773
It’s easy to get the wrong impression.
When we read the Chumash, it seems like every few lines God is speaking to someone.