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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…
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Toldot: Praying with the Fervor of a Pitchfork
The beginning of the parsha depicts the powerful scene of Yitzchak and Rivka praying together for a child. Rav Bregman1 notes that the pasuk first describes the prayer and only then explains that Rivka was barren rather than first stating the childlessness leading to the prayer. This unexpected structure echoes the Gemara2 which tells us…
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Chayei Sarah: Contrasting the Greatness of Sarah and Rivka
The parsha which records Sara Imeinu’s passing is the parsha which is called ‘Chayei Sara,’ the life of Sara. Something about Sara’s life and legacy can be felt even – and especially – at the time of her death. Immediately after the Torah records Sara’s burial, it transitions into Yitzchak’s shidduch with the righteous Rivka;…
