Our Sages, in Tosefta Berachot 4:17-18, ask a fundamental question: “Why did Yehuda merit kingship?” After all, each of the brothers was great in his own way. Why, then, was … more

This week’s Torah reading, Vayigash, reflects the narrative of the reconciliation of Yosef and his brothers, and the reunion with his father, Yaakov. There is much to be said of this saga. One … more

I have known more than my share of families torn by discord. Most of us know a family in which brothers and sisters have not spoken to each other in years, sometimes having forgotten the original … more

After a cliffhanger at the end of last week’s Torah portion, our parsha, Vayigash, opens with arguably the most impassioned plea in all of the Bible — Yehuda pouring out his heart to … more

There’s no rule that says Jews are required to eat chicken on Shabbat — that is, no rule handed down by a rabbi or written in the Torah. But it is a long-standing practice for many … more

It is 30 degrees outside, and the wind is howling. It’s amazing how fast winter appears. Sometimes I wonder why I stay in this climate. My nose is always freezing, my lips are always chapped, … more

Last week’s parasha concludes with Yosef’s undeserved imprisonment in an Egyptian jail at the false accusation of Potiphar’s wife. While incarcerated, he rose to the top of dungeon … more

Pharaoh was a powerful ruler, assumed by his people to have divine qualities. He was surrounded by a group of wise advisers, the greatest sages of Egypt. But an amazing thing happened. Pharaoh had … more

It got lost in the middle of a wide-ranging interview in The Washington Post that made headlines for other reasons. But when President Donald Trump said that the United States might be staying … more

Do you know what was commemorated on Nov. 30? While for most Jews around the world it was just another day, according to a law passed in 2014 by Knesset member Dr. Shimon Ohayon, it is … more