Vayechi (5773) – Generations Forget and Remember
The drama of younger and older brothers, which haunts the book of Bereishit from Cain and Abel onwards, reaches a … Read more
Tag: bereishit
Vayigash (5773) – Choice and Change
The sequence from Bereishit 37 to 50 is the longest unbroken narrative in the Torah, and there can be no … Read more
Vayeshev (5773) – The Refusal to be Comforted
The deception has taken place. Joseph has been sold into slavery. His brothers have dipped his coat in blood. They … Read more
Vayishlach (5773) – Fear or Distress?
Jacob and Esau are about to meet again after a separation of twenty two years. It is a fraught encounter. … Read more
Toldot (5773) – Between Prophecy and Oracle
Rebecca, hitherto infertile, became pregnant. Suffering acute pain, “she went to inquire of the Lord” [vatelekh lidrosh et Hashem] (Bereishit … Read more
Chayei Sarah (5773) – Hopes and Fears
The sedra of Chayei Sarah focuses on two episodes, both narrated at length and in intricate detail. Abraham buys a … Read more
Vayera (5773) – Even Higher Than Angels
It is one of the most famous scenes in the Bible. Abraham is sitting at the entrance to his tent … Read more
Lech Lecha (5773) – Making Space
The call to Abraham, with which Lech Lecha begins, seems to come from nowhere: “Leave your land, your birthplace, and … Read more
Noach (5773) – True Morality
Is there such a thing as an objective basis of morality? For some time, in secular circles, the idea has … Read more
Bereishit (5773) – A Living Book
It is the most famous, majestic and influential opening of any book in literature: “In the beginning, G-d created the … Read more
