The deception has taken place. Joseph was sold into slavery; his brothers dipped his coat in blood and they bring it back to their father, saying: “Look what we have found. Do you recognize … more

Before the sale of Yosef, Yosef is on a mission. Walking near Shechem, looking lost, he encounters a “man” (the rabbis identify him as an angel) who says two words to him, Mah … more

Ignorance is bliss.” There was a time not too long ago when these three words would engender a long and interesting discussion, perhaps even debate. There would have been speculation about … more

The beginning of our parasha, Vayishlach, depicts Ya’akov Avinu’s return to Eretz Yisrael and the preparations he undertook before encountering his estranged brother, Eisav. What … more

Twenty-two years have passed since Jacob fled his brother, penniless and alone, since Esau swore his revenge for what he saw as the theft of his blessing. Now the brothers are about to meet … more

There is something special about meeting up with an old friend one hasn’t seen in years. I recently had just such a special experience, when I spent a weekend in a community where a friend … more

Parshat Vayishlach begins with Yaakov’s worries over finally meeting Eisav after many years apart. And while that encounter goes surprisingly pareve-ly, his next significant stop, in Shechem, … more

It was a blisteringly hot day, and the shade of the trees offered little respite for the 40 prisoners of the Waldkommando (forest brigade) whose job it was to cut down trees for lumber for the … more

The concluding section of our parasha, Chayei Sharah, presents the first narrative of the Yitzchak and Rivka story. In the midst of these pasukim, we encounter a verse that conceals far more than it … more

One of the great satisfactions of life as an educator is watching a student’s face when “the penny drops,” when a difficulty or question they have struggled with suddenly is resolved. Equally … more