The Parasha -- the whole book -- is called Shemot. That seems like it refers to the names in the beginning, and it does. The book of Shemot is about the second step in the story, redemption. Bereisheet sets the stage and then Shemot fulfills the destiny of the story. The names of the children of Yaakov as they pass away in the first verses here seem to be connected to the first story. So why are they...Read more...
It takes an entire book, but by the end there are siblings who get along. We’ve cycled through several pairs, from the time that Kayin and Hevel end in murder. Yitzchok and Yishmael are not close, and Esav threatens Yaakov. We seem to have come full circle when the brothers seek to kill Yosef. But finally with Ephraim and Menashe, we have domestic peace. One of the reasons given for why we bless our...Read more...
There is a small oddity in the text of Al Hanissim which I want to focus on. The story recounted in the text is about the defeat of the Hellenists and then the restoration and re-dedication (Chanuka) of the Temple. When we speak about divine service, we divide it between the service of servants, Avadim, and the service of children, Banim. The Chanuka story is about the service in the Temple, which means the...Read more...
Each of the Avot are identified with certain attributes. Avraham is associated with Chesed, with kindness, and we see this clearly in almost everything he does. He is a paragon of giving -- taking care of guests, praying even for the wicked. There are moments that call on something else, but that is always seen in light of his evident kindness.
