Exodus 1:1 – 6:1
The Children of Israel though oppressed, become very numerous in the land of Egypt. Joseph is gone and is now either consciously or unconsciously forgotten by the new Pharaoh who burdens the people of Israel under slavery .Out of fear or hatred Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives, Shifrah and Puah, to kill all male babies at birth but theydo not comply to the decree .Pharaoh then commands every Egyptian to cast every newborn Hebrew baby into the Nile.
Genesis 47:28-50:26
The Torah portion describes the final 17 years of Yaacov’s life in Egypt and begins with the words Vayechi Yaacov, which means “and Yaacov lived.” These were the final years of his life and yet the portion begins with the words “and Yaacov lived.” And at this time, Yaacov’s vision for his children was beginning to blossom and Abraham’s vision and prophecy was beginning to materialize.
Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27
We are told that Judah approaches Joseph to plead for the release of Binyamin, his younger brother. The use of the word approach is instructive. Again we see an active stepping into destiny and decision making that changes history. He offers himself as a slave instead of Binyamin.
Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows that are swallowed up by seven lean cows, and of seven fat ears of grain swallowed by seven lean ears. Yosef iscalled out of the prison cell and interprets his dreams. He tells tham that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of hunger, and advises Pharaoh to prepare the grain during the first seven years. Pharaoh senses that Yosef is speaking truth and appoints Yosef to be the governor of Egypt. Yosef then marries Osnat, and they have two sons, Menassheh and Ephraim.
This weeks Torah Portion Podcast focuses on the Portion called Vayeshev (and Jacob settled) and begins the saga of the people of Israel in formation. Clothing becomes a big part of the story and exploring this issue helps highlight some insights in coping with the political struggles of this world Parshat Vayeshev
This weeks podcast discusses the Torah portion of Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4 – 36:43), where Jacob wrestles with the angel that represents Esav. What can we learn from that struggle? Are we facing similar struggles in our personal and in our national lives? This week’s Torah portion offers some insights to this and other questions relating … Read more
Torah Portion Vayetze Genesis 28:10 – 32:2 This weeks podcast focuses on the two dreams of Jacob and the lessons learned from Jacob’s ladder and his dream about the goats. The broadcast then focuses on Dreams in general. Are they a function of our experience or are the hint and whisper of a Divine message? … Read more
Our latest podcast touches on US elections and then delves into this week’s parasha, Toldot. Parshat Toldot
