One of the most difficult things to figure out when reading this portion is why Joseph behaved as he did. Some commentators think he was living by the “seat of his pants” and dealt with his brothers in a chaotic, emotional, perhaps even spiteful manner. I admit that as I’ve read through this portion every year, I have thought that Joseph was indeed shooting from the hip, acting impulsively without any thought or plan.
Read MoreLast week we explored the idea of ourselves as the eighth candle of the Hanukkah menorah and Yeshua as the ninth; the one who lights us with his passion and power. He calls us to a life of dedication to Torah. This week we will continue with two more ways we can be Hanukkahs of Light.
Read MoreA midrash says there was not just one Hanukkah but actually seven. I propose to you that there are in fact nine Hanukkahs, not seven. We are the eighth Hanukkah of light. All of us are called to dedicate ourselves to Hashem. The ninth Hanukkah of light is the Hanukkah of Messiah Yeshua.
Read MoreIn Parashat Vayishlach, we continue to follow the stories of the mothers and the fathers of Israel. Unfortunately, the women in this story are often abused by powerful men. The men sometimes seem to get away with their behavior in the short term, but the consequences of their actions are seen for generations.
Read MoreStrolling through this week’s parasha, we see several episodes in Jacob’s life. First he is fleeing his home in fear of big brother Esau’s retaliation after Jacob and his mother Rebecca had secured the patriarchal blessing by trickery. Nevertheless, Hashem promises Jacob that everything will eventually be well for him.
Read MoreThis week’s parasha contains an important part of the story of Abraham and his family. But it is also a lesson in proper priorities and perspectives, especially when it comes to responding appropriately to Adonai. And yet, it’s a story that is usually misunderstood and as a result is inaccurately told. It’s the account of Jacob and Esau.
Read MoreSarah has brought Hagar, and Egyptian concubine, into Avraham’s bed. She becomes pregnant, and Sarah suddenly regrets this rash and dysfunctional choice. Sarah blames Avraham, and quarrels with him over this inconvenient woman. Avraham turns Hagar back over to Sarah, and Sarah afflicts Hagar, causing her to run away into the wilderness. She runs very far south, practically to the border of modern Egypt. An angel of the Lord meets her at a well, and instructs her to return to her abusive mistress, for God will make a great nation from the son in her womb – Ishmael.
Read MoreOur Messiah warned us, “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Readers might think this implies that the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees is somehow defective or inferior, but Messiah Yeshua is probably saying the opposite.
Read MoreTired of creation descending into chaos, murder, and hatred? Does it seem like that flood didn’t quite clean out all the trash and you just can’t bring yourself to go through another one? Then try ISRAEL, a unique way of blessing the whole creation through one particular people group!
Read MoreIn this week’s parasha, God commands Noah to build an ark for his family and for all the land animals to avoid the coming destruction of the flood. Water in the Torah is often a symbol of the forces of chaos. The ark became Noah’s safe haven from the raging waters of chaos, storm, and sin.
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