How 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.
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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.
Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the virus of gloom and anxiety that afflicts us today, and it shows up in a surprising way in this week’s Torah reading when Esau, of all people, models it for us.
Read MoreThe story of Leah is a profound narrative of unrequited love, longing, and ultimately, acceptance. Leah's journey, as reflected in the names she gives her children, offers a timeless lesson in embracing life's adversities and finding contentment within our circumstances.
Read MoreThe Lord responds to Rebekah’s question of “Why is this happening to me?” by showing her that she is seen, cared for, loved, and understood. It’s not a quick solution or a trite aphorism; it’s simply a move toward trust and learning.
Read MoreIn the three prayers that we have read these past two weeks, we see the heroes of the story, our forefathers and foremothers, invoke the character of God in their supplications before the Lord.
Read MoreThe sages see Abraham as a paragon of love and inclusion. He brought people from the surrounding societies in Haran and Canaan close to the one God through his example and his generosity.
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