Taste of Torah

So our hopes are for the short term. There’s another way to think about hope and what might otherwise seem a hopeless situation.

Torah teaches an invaluable lesson -- especially in an age of immediate communication -- about the use and meaning of symbols in our lives, and how important it is to “measure twice, cut once.”

Aaron’s role in the Exodus was much larger than we may have acknowledged. The partnership of Moses and Aaron is a wonderful role model for collaboration, a must not only in the work world of a modern society, but in every family.

Genesis begins and ends with the blessing of procreation and Exodus begins on that note as well. The Rabbis declared procreation to be a commandment, causing numerous problems that even they recognized and attempted to mitigate. Is God’s blessing about creating lives, or creating life?

Sibling rivalry is universal, and Genesis provides ample examples. But not every sibling relationship is rancorous and competitive. In this week’s parashah we find a different model -- one that becomes a model for our children.

Parshat Vayigash not only describes the poignant reconciliation of the sons of Jacob, it provides us with a sensible and down-to-earth formula for pursuing reconciliation in tough cases.

Joseph does cry at the frightening or potentially deadly moment in his life. Yet he cries four times: each at a juncture that brings him closer to reconciliation with his family. Joseph is focused on what is most important, as were the Maccabees in their struggle against the Syrian forces. For both, vision and dedication brought a miracle.

Vayeshev opens a discussion on hashgachah (divine providence). Many people say they do not believe that God intervenes in the events of our world, yet sometimes they feel the notion applies to their own lives. Is there a way to reconcile the two?

Jacob lacks empathy, until he experiences the pain he has inflicted on others. Jacob would prefer to avoid pain - his as well as the pain he causes others. So would we, but sometimes pain helps us nurture empathy within ourselves.

There are still many arranged marriages today, as well as marriages based on love. Every marriage is a challenge over the long term. The Rabbis compared the difficulty of finding a good match to parting the Reed Sea. But a good match isn’t enough, as Hosea suggests, giving us great advice.

When does the end justify the means? What do Judaism, Machiavelli, and Kant tell us and what does this mean for our own lives?

From Torah's account, Abraham and Sarah lived apart after the Akedah. Isaac did not attend his mother's funeral. What happened? What can bring healing?

Abraham teaches us the mitzvot of visiting the sick and hospitality. Both are matters of nedivut ha-lev (generosity of the heart). It's not always easy to cultivate, but it is possible, and Abraham demonstrates how.

Meet a group of undergraduates on a remarkable journey. What is your journey?

The story of the Tower of Babel teaches us that God prefers diversity -- and for a very good reason.