Category Archive

Jacob returns to the Holy Land after a 20-year stay in Charan, and sends angel-emissaries to Esau in hope of a reconciliation, but his messengers report that his brother is on the warpath with 400 … Read More

Vayetze in a Nutshell Genesis 28:10–32:3 Jacob leaves his hometown of Beershebaand journeys to Charan. On the way, he encounters “the place” and sleeps there, dreaming of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels … Read More

  Genesis 18:1–22:24 G‑d reveals Himself to Abraham three days after the first Jew’s circumcision at age ninety-nine; but Abraham rushes off to prepare a meal for three guests who appear in the desert heat. One of the three—who are angels disguised as men—announces that, in exactly … Read More

Genesis 12:1–17:27 G‑d speaks to Abram, commanding him, “Go from your land, from your birthplace and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.” There, G‑d says, he will be made into a great nation. Abram and … Read More

Genesis 6:9–11:32 G‑d instructs Noah—the only righteous man in a world consumed by violence and corruption—to build a large wooden teivah (“ark”), coated within and without with pitch. A great deluge, says G‑d, will wipe out all life from … Read More

Genesis 1:1–6:8   G‑d creates the world in six days. On the first day He makes darkness and light.  G‑d creates the world in six days. On the first day He makes darkness and light. On the second day He forms the heavens, dividing … Read More

Vayigash in a Nutshell Genesis 44:18–47:27 Judah approaches Joseph to plead for the release of Benjamin, offering himself as a slave to the Egyptian ruler in Benjamin’s stead. Upon witnessing his brothers’ loyalty to one … Read More

Joseph’s imprisonment finally ends when Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows that are swallowed up by seven lean cows, and of seven fat ears of grain swallowed by seven lean ears. Joseph interprets the dreams … Read More