Shabbat Shalom

Hanukkah begins in a few days! What is the connection between portion Vayeshev and Hannukah?

Jacob’s life journey represents the journey of the Nation of Israel. In this portion Jacob is given a new name: Israel, meaning “to strive with God”. The fate of the people of Israel is hinted at in this name; a nation that will have to fight for its existence.

When Jacob flees his family’s home, he leaves with nothing to his name. He does, however, have three qualities that see him through life’s challenges: A love of justice, loyalty, and an understanding of life’s complexities.

Genesis is filled with stories of first-born sons who are rejected in favor of their younger brothers. This week Esau and Jacob put their cards on the table and ask, “Who really is the first-born?”

In this week’s Torah portion, Abraham’s servant searches for a wife for Isaac. We read of his encounter with Rebecca at the well three times: as the servant is praying, as it happens, and as the servant recounts the tale to Rebecca’s family. Why is this story told three times?

The roots of history’s oldest rivalry are found in the week’s Torah portion! Laughter, scorn, and cynicism are woven throughout this story, but so are God’s mercy and promise. Shabbat Shalom!

This week we start the journey of Abraham as he is called by God to “Go forth”. Abraham is often compared to Noah. At the beginning of last week’s portion, Noah was introduced as a righteous man. But what about Abraham’s background? Who was he?

Welcome to a new Torah portion series from our brand-new studio!
This week we dive into the story of Noh and the flood. We can conclude from this story that a righteous person has the power to save himself. But this isn’t always enough.

Last year, I recorded the Torah portion Beresheet a day after the 7th of October massacre, and you can’t see I had no idea what was about to come.

A year has passed, and we find ourselves still in the midst of conflict. Change is not just needed—it’s essential. Now, as we begin the cycle of Beresheet again, we’re determined to make this year different.