Redeeming Relevance: What was so Bad about Ya’akov’s Life?
If Ya’akov’s words to Pharaoh were just an exercise in self-mortification about what was too late to change, there would be little to learn from them. But if, as is more likely, they represented part of a strategy of how to continue improving, there is actually a great deal we can learn from them.
Parshat Mikeitz
You cannot decide whether we should fight or not. We will... That decision is taken...
Beis HaMikdash – Spiritual Power Source
The Bach seems to be saying that all that was to befall the Jewish people was because we no longer approached the Avodah with the appropriate sense of purpose, and therefore it was taken from us.
The Dream in the Flame
Like Yosef, the Chashmonaim were dreamers. Chanukah is the story of dreamers: defeating a mighty army, recapturing and rededicating the Temple, finding a single jar of ritually pure oil in the rubble
Miketz: Why Didn’t Joseph Write Home?
This new perspective helps us understand Joseph.
FATE, DESTINY, AND FREE WILL
Imagine that the book of your life has already been written – and that you’ve read the chapter headings. How would your life be different? This issue is addressed by J.K. Rowling in the Harry Potter series. Not surprisingly, Rowling was preceded by the Torah
Asking For Advice
If Yosef was so brilliant, how is it possible he overlooked something as elementary as thinking about what his conduct would lead to?
Celebrating The Non-Celebrated
There are many who celebrate the wise, the heroes, and the mystics, and they forget that we must also celebrate the typically non-celebrated, the people who keep the spirit alive, the very spirit that nurtures the more celebrated.
Redeeming Relevance: Vayeshev: Yosef’s Field of Dreams
Yosef’s struggle with his brothers was ideological, whether we are to influence the world by example from the private and safe existence of our tent (the brothers), or whether take more risks by going outside and being heavily involved with the rest of civilization (Yosef)
On Guard
Yaakov was the epitome of a shomer.
The Merit Of Eretz Yisrael
While his only motivation may have been to earn a living for himself, he is providing a substantial gain to those he does business with. In this scenario, $850,000 of his efforts are going to vendors, suppliers, and employees. An
Shabbos Protection
In the very beginning of his introduction, the author writes that it is crucial for a person to trust in Hashem because if he doesn’t, then Hashem will remove His direct and special providential care.
Talmudic Risk-Diversification
The Torah tells stories of people who heard the voice of God and risked it all, However, for those of us who have not heard the voice of God, our sages suggest a more nuanced approach to risk.
Trust-but Verify
Esau handled the meeting with Jacob far more grace than most people manage an argument with a spouse. Not bad behavior for a person we are taught is one of the most evil biblical characters!
A Pre-Modern Joke about Post-Modernism
Human interpretation of G-d’s work is always reaching beyond ourselves, and we should be suspicious of any theory that successfully explains everything in Torah – more likely we are imposing our own vision on the text.
Learning From Lavan
Where there's a will, there's a way.
I Need Needs
At times it almost seems as if Hashem is deliberately sabotaging our well-laid plans for serving Him. And it doesn’t make much sense.
Heaven and Earth
Jacob did not have problems with 'doorways.' He experienced one emotional earthquake after another, and managed to maintain focus. No 'event boundary' issues for our hero. How did he do it?
Redeeming Relevance: Vayetzeh: Why Ya’akov DIDN’T Pray
Ya’akov did not pray for Rachel to conceive because he did not believe in "forcing God’s hand." He asks, “Am I instead of God? God knows best whether to give children or not. All I can do is ask.”
Parshat Toldot
Leaders often have to make difficult decisions of critical importance.
Seeing Greatness
We are what we make ourselves.
Love Will Conquer All
A man is approaching. Do I smile and nod, or do I look the other way? He’s looking at me; do I turn my head to respond or do I look out at the trees?
Mirrors
Reflections on "mirror images"
What our Negotiators can Learn from Yitzchak
It is unwise to see contemporary events as exact replays of Biblical history, but it is valuable to recognize that Torah and tradition offer narratives of hop--as well as gloom--about Jewish national relationships
The Greatness Of The Avos
Sarah Imeinu was a strong, emotionally stable woman. She had unshakable bitachon, having lived through many trials and travails.
Say Little; Do Much
A dog that barks much is never a good hunter. -Proverb
The Jewish Journey
Avraham and Sarah ended up in the land of Canaan. Canaan? The most debased and decadent society! Yet, there Avraham and Sarah build their destiny and shape world history. Canaan actually held the key to Avraham and Sarah's redemption.
Redeeming Relevance: Chaye Sarah: The Advantage of Disadvantage
Yishmael’s challenge was whether to come back at all. Having been so clearly rejected, why would he want to have anything more to do with his father Avraham?
The Prison Cell Of Laziness
That understanding is enough to evoke terror in any man’s heart, and we can certainly understand why he didn’t move.
Punishment for Undue Credit
Arrogance and the punishment of Angels