Parshat Vayeshev relays that when Yosef recounted his second dream to his father (of the sun, moon and stars bowing to him), Yakov rebuked him (37:10). As Jonathan Gewirtz asks, why didn’t Yosef...
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Dvar for Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43)
As Yaakov flees his brother Esav, God promises Yaakov that he would return safely to Canaan (Genesis 28:15). Then why in this week's Parsha, Vayishlach, is Yaakov afraid? Doesn't Yaakov's fear...
Dvar for Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:1)
In this week’s Parsha, Vayetzei, we can learn an incredible lesson. The Torah relates how when Leah had her fourth son, Rachel became envious. The obvious question is why wasn't Rachel jealous when...
Dvar for Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)
Parshat Toldot tells the story of Yaakov (Jacob) and Esav, two brothers that couldn’t be any more different. When their father Yitzchok (Isaac) decides that it’s time to bless his two sons, Yaakov...
Dvar for Chaye Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)
Parshat Chaye Sarah records two major transactions, which begs us to wonder about their connection. The Parsha starts with Avraham insisting on paying for his plot of land in which to bury his wife....
Dvar for Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24)
Parshat Vayeira records G-d's greatest test of Avraham's faith (22:1) by ordering him to sacrifice his only son to G-d.  Almost all the commentaries listing G-d’s ten trials list this one as the...
Dvar for Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)
In Parshat Lech Lecha, among the blessings that Avraham was to receive for leaving all that he had was the blessing that he himself should be a blessing (12:2). How does one become a blessing?...
Dvar for Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)
Parshat Noach has G-d proclaiming Noach as being both a "Tzaddik" (righteous), and "Tamim" (perfect). What's tricky about that is that the term "Tzaddik" denotes a person that's been accused of...
Dvar for Haazinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52)
Parshat Haazinu is Moshe's last speech, delivered as a song because songs reach deeper into our souls. In the beginning of the song (32:4), it says "The Rock! - Perfect is his work, for all his...
Dvar for Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30)
Parshat Nitzavim starts by proclaiming that "you are all standing here today" (29:9), and then proceeds to use the words "this day" two more times in the next three verses, none of which were...