Slavery, as in this week’s parasha, is not simply old news. In fact, all of us are slaves. The Bible says it, and Bob Dylan sang it years ago: “It might be the Devil or it might be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.”
Read MoreMuch of the biblical text recounts pitfalls and bad relationships that serve as examples of what not to do. This week's portion gives us a welcome respite from that trend in showcasing the relationship between Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro.
Read MoreThis week’s parasha, Beshalach, is one of the most dramatic and inspiring portions in the Torah. It tells of Israel’s miraculous deliverance at the Red Sea — a moment when all seemed lost, and yet, through divine intervention, salvation came.
Read MoreLet’s talk about renewal. There’s something powerful about starting fresh—about moving forward, not just physically, but spiritually. It’s about embracing change and becoming more of who we’re meant to be as Israel, the people of the God of Israel.
Read MoreMoses knew the heart of Pharaoh and doubted the success of God’s plan (6:12), but God had commanded him to speak these words; God had put these words in his mouth: “Let my people go that they may serve me.”
Read MoreHow are you wired? What makes you tick? God creates and redeems us to be lights in the world, lights of different kinds. Some of us will be lights of creativity. Some, lights of justice and truth. Some of us are lights of compassionate action. Some are lights of supernatural power. Whatever the case, God wants us to be lights in the world.
Read More
This week, as we are reading Parashat Vayechi (“And he lived”), the United States is remembering President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29. In Israel, the country mourns hostage Youssef al-Zidayne, whose body was discovered in a Gaza tunnel on January 8, along with evidence that his son Hamza was also dead.
Read MoreWhen I was in 8th grade, the Monkees first appeared on television. They had recorded a hit song called “I’m a Believer.” The lyrics proclaim, “And then I saw her face; now I’m a believer!” This week, we see a similar change in the story of Joseph when his brothers saw his face.
Read MoreYeshua is the light that dispels the darkness, the one who brings peace and unity. During this season, as we commemorate the great miracles that God has brought, let’s remember in unity the light that he brings into our midst, and among our brethren.
Read MoreWith this week’s parasha the great saga of Genesis takes a decisive turn. The dramatic visitations of God that characterized the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob come to an end. In the following story of Joseph and his brothers, we might be tempted to ask where God is amidst all that they have to go through.