VaYigash (And He (Judah) Approached) – Genesis 44:18 – 47:27

by Kim Troup | Dec 29, 2022 | Shabbat Shalom, Uncategorized

The Descent to Egypt to Create the Nation This week’s portion begins in the middle of the story of the final confrontation between Joseph and his brothers, before Joseph reveals himself to them.  At the end of last week’s portion, we have heard Joseph’s cruel...

Miketz (The End) – Genesis 41:1 – 44:17

by Bonnie Calender | Dec 22, 2022 | Shabbat Shalom

Finding unity on the brink of the abyss 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...

Vayeshev (And He (Jacob) Settled) – Genesis 37:1 – 40:23

by Kim Troup | Dec 15, 2022 | Shabbat Shalom

When brothers turn against each other This week’s portion begins the story of Joseph. We learn that Jacob favors Joseph and buys him a striped coat, which results in the brothers’ terrible jealousy of him. Joseph is introduced to us as a dreamer, and as he...

Vayishlach (And He (Jacob) Sent) – Genesis 32:4 – 36:43

by Kim Troup | Dec 8, 2022 | Shabbat Shalom, Uncategorized

The Conflict of AppeasementThis week’s portion tells of Jacob’s return to the Land of Canaan, beginning with his encounter with Esau, then with the people of Shechem.  The portion ends with the history of Esau and his descendants.https://youtu.be/ZXqFTXSCYnwJacob’s...

Vayetzei (And He (Jacob) Left) – Genesis 28:10 – 32:3

by Kim Troup | Dec 1, 2022 | Shabbat Shalom, Uncategorized

Rachel: The Mother of Israel This week’s portion tells of Jacob’s flight from Beersheba, escaping just in time from his brother Esau who has threatened to kill him.  Jacob encounters God in a prophetic dream, just before leaving the Land of Israel, and God...