Articles in Parsha Insights
Vayechi: Inspiring our Children
And He Lived
This week’s Parsha describes Jacob’s passing and the events that transpired immediately before and after. Ironically, the Parsha’s name is Vayechi, which means and he lived. Is preparation for death aptly described as living? As we shall soon see, it depends on the kind of life one has …
Vayechi: Oasis in the Desert
Jacob in Egypt
The very first time the Torah testifies that our patriarch Jacob fully enjoyed and appreciated life is during the period of time that he lived in Egypt.
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Vayigash: Temper Reined In
Great Characters
A member of my congregation once told me that I am incapable of anger and that I never take offense. I dare say that I wasn’t humble enough to dissuade him, but I chuckled quietly and mused, “Would, that my mother hears this.”
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Miketz: Who Are We?
The Lost Child
When I was younger my father often talked of the proverbial child who never got to school on time. If it wasn’t his pants, it was his hat. If it wasn’t his hat, it was his socks. If it wasn’t his clothing, it was his homework. There was …
Miketz: A True Brother
A Jewish Boy In Egypt
Our Parsha relates the story of Josef in the land of Egypt. What was a good Jewish boy dong in Egypt? Why did he become Viceroy of such a corrupt and immoral land?
There was a famine in the region and Egypt was the only country …
Vayishlach: Wrestling Angels
Disagreements
We all have them, even with the people we love. That no two people can agree on every issue is a fact of life. “Our mindset,” say our sages, “is as unique as our facial features.” (1)
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Vayishlach: The Lazy Self
Grappling with an Angel
Having transported his family and possessions to the far shore of the Yabok River Jacob returned to retrieve a number of small items that were inadvertently left behind. The Torah tells that once he returned “He grappled with a man… till the dawn rose.” The Midrash teaches …
Vaysihlach: Content
Two Brothers Two Mentalities
Our forefather Jacob sent a gift to his brother Esau. Esau declared, “I have plenty my brother, let what is yours remain yours,” and refused to accept the gift. Jacob insisted that it would be a pleasure to grant the gift since, “ G-d has been gracious …
