This week we read the final chapters of Genesis. Jacob is approaching the end of his life. We are told that he lived until the age of 147 and that he spent the last 17 years of his life in Egypt. Just before his death, he blesses his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, and then blesses each of his sons.
Ein wunderbares Jahr voller neuer Dinge liegt vor uns! Liebe Freunde, Ein gutes neues Jahr! Es ist in der Tat ein neues Jahr und eines, das, Gott sei Dank, viele … Read more
I became a Zionist at the age of 13. My parents had always been Zionists in a typical American way. They loved Israel, went to every emergency meeting about Israel, and they gave generously to Israeli causes. Whatever they could do for Israel from the comfort of Cleveland, Ohio, they did.
This week’s portion begins with the most dramatic speech in the Bible — Judah’s plea to Joseph to save his brother Benjamin. “And Joseph could not restrain himself before all that stood by him . . . And he wept aloud . . . And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph, is my father still alive?'” (Genesis 45:1-3).
En prachtig jaar met nieuwe dingen ligt voor ons! Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! Het is inderdaad een nieuw jaar en een jaar … Read more
Those of different faiths have some awareness of Christmas. But what does this holiday mean to Jews, who have always been outsiders to the Christian experience even as they live comfortable lives in Europe or North America?
In this week’s Torah portion, we continue the story of Joseph in Egypt. The portion begins with Joseph’s rise to power, thanks to his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream. He is given full responsibility for feeding the nation and, indeed surrounding nations, during the upcoming famine.
This month, I visited the community of Kiryat Arba, one of the original Jewish communities in Judea, established just after the Six Day War.
This week’s portion begins the story of Joseph, beginning with Genesis chapter 37. We learn that Jacob favors Joseph and buys him a striped coat, which results in the brothers’ terrible jealousy of him.
Hanukkah is a popular Jewish holiday, usually celebrated in December. Because of its proximity to Christmas, some people assume that it is a Jewish version of Christmas. But Hanukkah is a unique holiday that celebrates a special miracle of salvation to the Jewish people. And its messages can resonate deeply to Christians as well.