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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.”…