…including the late John McCain, solitary confinement is the most terrifying punishment of all. In the Torah, the first time the words “not good” appear are in the sentence, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Bereishit 2:18). But there are uses of adversity, and consolation in loneliness. When we feel alone, we are not alone, because the…
…talking donkey and the various locations, sacrifices, and attempted curses. The entire drama seems to have been unnecessary. God only needed Bilam to recite the promise He gave to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Bereishit 12:3). And Bilam did eventually say this. Why did God also put into Bilam’s mouth…
…in Nissan Mindel, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, A Biography (New York: Kehot Publication Society, 1969). DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR BEREISHIT Which stories from the Torah inspire you to act like a leader, and effect change? Do you believe that only people who take personal responsibility should become leaders? As God’s partner in creating a better world, what will you protest?…
“Antisemitism matters not because Jews are Jews but because Jews are human. You cannot deny someone else’s humanity without endangering your own.” FIND MORE RESOURCES ON ANTISEMITISM Explore the life and work of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Discover articles, videos, books, commentary, and educational resources from an international faith leader, ambassador for Judaism and Jewish values, respected moral philosopher, and…
The Parsha in a Nutshell This summary is adapted from this week’s main Covenant & Conversation essay by Rabbi Sacks, available to read in full via the left sidebar Why Yaacov? That is the question we find ourselves asking repeatedly as we read through the stories in the book of Bereishit. Unlike Noach, Yaacov is not described as righteous, perfect…
…had been a passive figure, but finally he decided to take action. Knowing that the Chief Butler was about to return to the palace, he asked him to plead his case to the Pharaoh. But the end of the parsha delivers a devastating blow: “The Chief Butler did not remember Yosef, and forgot him” (Bereishit 40:23). The point is made…
…you what will happen to you in days to come. Assemble and listen, sons of Yaacov; listen to your father Yisrael. Bereishit 49:1–2 This seems to be saying the same thing twice, but with one difference. In the first sentence, there is a reference to “what will happen to you in the days to come” (literally, “at the end of…
…50 years, I was in awe of his powers of advocacy! Torah Trivia Question: Which animal mentioned in parshat Terumah shares its name with a person mentioned in Sefer Bereishit? This question has been adapted from Torah IQ by David Woolf, a collection of 1500 Torah riddles, available worldwide on Amazon. For the answer, please head to the Education Companion…
…mishpacha, family. The concept of family is absolutely fundamental to Judaism. Consider the book of Bereishit, the Torah’s starting point. It is not chiefly about theology, doctrine, dogma. It is not an argument against idolatry. It is about families: husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters. At key moments in the Torah, God Himself defines His relationship with…
…day? My vote would be simple. From the Torah, the opening of Bereishit. “In the beginning God created…” And for the haftarah? What better than the last two chapters of Isaiah, “Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth”? Opening the machzor I would find that my answer was logical but wrong. What, in fact, do we read…