Rabbi Shabbat Greetings

We now conclude the Joseph trilogy as well as the Book of Genesis with its final portion, Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26). This portion is a study in paradox. Its name means “And he lived,” yet it…

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Our Torah portion this week is the second part of the Joseph “trilogy”, Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27). It begins with a courageous act of closeness:“And Judah approached him.” (44:18) Judah steps forward not knowing how he…

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This week, as we read Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17) in the midst of Hanukkah, the Torah and the holiday speak to each other with unusual urgency. Both arrive at moments of deep darkness…

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This week’s Torah portion, Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1-40:23), begins the long and painful story of Joseph and his brothers. It is a portion filled with darkness through jealousy, betrayal, loss, and confusion. Joseph is…

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This week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), tells the dramatic story of Jacob’s return to the land of Canaan after 20 years of exile. The story is full of tension, struggle, and…

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As we move past Thanksgiving, many of us open our refrigerators to a familiar sight: containers of leftovers—bits of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, pies. Some are delicious; some make us wonder…

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This week we read Toledot(Genesis 25:19-28:9), a portion filled with the complicated stories of family and of blessings, misunderstandings, challenges, and the hope that we can grow into the people we…

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In the portion, Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18), we encounter a striking paradox. The portion begins with Sarah’s death, yet it’s called “The Life of Sarah.” The Torah teaches us that the righteous live on, not…

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This week’s Torah portion, Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24), opens with a simple but profound image: “And the Eternal appeared to Abraham as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the…

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In our Torah portion this week, Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27), God calls to Avram: “Go forth from your land, your birthplace, and your father’s house, to the land that I will show you.”…

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