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Vayechi: Understanding Rachel’s Burial Place
Parshat Vayechi is essentially the last will and testament of Yaakov Avinu. Much of it contains his last requests, rebuke, and advice to his children. One of Yaakov’s admonishments to Yosef is that he ensures that Yaakov is buried in Meorat Hamachpela. In this, almost parenthetically, Yaakov seems to express regret that he did not…
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Vayigash: What You Didn’t Know About Serach, Daughter of Asher
Aside from the foremothers, one of the most talked-about women in Sefer Bereishit is Serach Bat Asher. Even preschool students know her name and her story. But is there more to her than what first meets the eye? Serach’s most famous story, taking place during the events of this week’s parsha, is not mentioned directly…
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Miketz: Life Is All About Perspective
In the beginning of Parshat Mikeitz, Yosef is pulled from prison to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Not only does he uncover the prophecy of famine for Egypt, but he suggests a solution as well1. Pharaoh is impressed with the interpretation and solution that Yosef presented, and eventually promotes him to viceroy of Egypt. It was seemingly…
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Vayeshev: Contrasting the Greatness of Tamar and the Wickedness of Potiphar’s Wife
Parshat Vayeshev contains the story of Yosef’s sale at the hands of his brothers, his journey to Mitzrayim, and his encounters with Eishet Potiphar there. It also contains the story of the relationship between Yehuda and Tamar, one the most easily-misconstrued tales in Sefer Bereishit. Within the context of Yosef’s journey, Tamar’s story seems somewhat…
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Vayishlach: The Holiness of Simplicity
At the beginning of this week’s parsha, the pasuk tells us ‘vayivater yaakov levado,’ that Yaakov was left alone. It is at this moment, when Yaakov is separated from his large family, that Eisav’s angel comes to wrestle with him. Rashi explains that Yaakov was alone because he crossed back over the Yarden in order…
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Vayeitzei: Understanding Leah’s Tearstained Eyes
In her difficult pregnancy, Rivka was told she had two nations inside of her womb. Although we sometimes simplify this as a battle between good and evil, in truth, it began as a conquest for Olam Hazeh and Olam Habah. Eisav was given the strength to acquire Olam Hazeh as his portion and Yaakov, Olam…
