Discussions about Messiah
The concept of Messiah is a Jewish concept rooted in the words of the Biblical prophets.
Newsletters
Vayechi (And He [Jacob] Lived) – Genesis 47:28 – 50:26
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.
The Rabbi who Taught Me about Redemption
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.
VaYigash (And He (Judah) Approached) – Genesis 44:18 – 47:27
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).
NIEUWS UIT HET HEARTLAND – Januari 2023
En prachtig jaar met nieuwe dingen ligt voor ons! ...
Christmas and New Year’s Day
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?
Miketz (The End) – Genesis 41:1 – 44:17
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.
A Visit With Shmuel: Kiryat Arba
This month, I visited the community of Kiryat Arba, one of the original Jewish communities in Judea, established just after the Six Day War.
Vayeshev (And He (Jacob) Settled) – Genesis 37:1 – 40:23
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.