Uncategorized

Bo (Go) – Exodus 10:1 – 13:16

This week's Torah portion includes the final three plagues and the beginning of the exodus. It also includes the instructions for the celebration of the Passover holiday and the procedure for the sacrifice of the lamb.

Read More

Vayechi (And He [Jacob] Lived) – Genesis 47:28 – 50:26

This week we read the final chapters of Genesis. Jacob is approaching the end of his life. We are told that he lived until the age of 147 and that he spent the last 17 years of his life in Egypt. Just before his death, he blesses his grandchildren, Ephraim and Menashe, and then blesses each of his sons.

Read More

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

This week's portion begins with the most dramatic speech in the Bible -- Judah's plea to Joseph to save his brother Benjamin. "And Joseph could not restrain himself before all that stood by him . . . And he wept aloud . . . And Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph, is my father still alive?'" (Genesis 45:1-3).

Read More

The Meaning of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a popular Jewish holiday, usually celebrated in December. Because of its proximity to Christmas, some people assume that it is a Jewish version of Christmas. But Hanukkah is a unique holiday that celebrates a special miracle of salvation to the Jewish people. And its messages can resonate deeply to Christians as well.

Read More