Mixed Blessings: What Jacob Really Gives His Sons
Jacob’s final words to his sons in Parashat Vayechi are called “blessings,” yet many of them sound painfully like rebuke, even curse. This tension encourages a deeper examination of […]
Three Visions, One Promise: Jacob’s Lifelong Conversation with God
In this week’s Parasha, Vayigash, we learn about Jacob’s final journey: to Egypt. This journey doesn’t start in Egypt but in the dark, sacred pause just before it. In Genesis […]
Miketz and Hanukkah: Hidden Light, Revealed Hope
Parashat Miketz almost always coincides with Hanukkah, and that “almost always” is itself a kind of commentary. It prompts the question: what happens when the Torah’s story of Yosef […]
Not in the Cave: Why Rachel Waits on the Way
I have always been puzzled by a story in this week’s Parasha, Vayishlach. In the Parasha, , we learn of the death of Rachel (Genesis 35:15-19). The text tells […]
God Was in This Place, and I Did Not Know
Genesis 28:16 may be one of the most mysterious verses in the Torah, because in a single startled sentence, Jacob discovers that his ordinary, anonymous campsite has in fact […]
Was Jacob Jealous of Esau?
Jacob’s story can be read as one of deep spiritual purpose, not of jealousy—as someone who stays true to his calling without wishing for Esau’s life or possessions. In […]
Acts of Kindness, Acts of Faith: Reflections on Chayei Sarah
Today’s d’var Torah is dedicated to the memory of my father, Henry Goldwasser, Zicron L’vracha on his fourth Yahrzeit, this Shabbat. This week’s Torah portion is Chayei Sarah (Genesis […]
The Many Faces of Temimut: Innocence, Integrity, and Struggle
The Torah introduces Noach with striking praise: אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת נֹחַ נֹחַ אִישׁ צַדִּיק תָּמִים הָיָה בְּדֹרֹתָיו אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים הִתְהַלֶּךְ־נֹחַ׃ “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, […]
Parashat Bereshit: Let There Be Light: Creation, Redemption, and the Return Home
Parashat Bereshit begins with darkness. The Torah’s opening words describe the earth as tohu va’vohu—formless and void—with darkness covering everything. It is a haunting image of chaos and confusion. […]
Parshat Eikev: Gratitude and Humility
One of the core spiritual teachings in Parshat Eikev is the intertwining of gratitude and humility, particularly in moments of achievement and abundance. As Moses addresses the Israelites before they […]