VaYigash Gen. 44:18 – 47:27  Rabbi Gary Pokras  VaYiGash means “and he approached.” This week we arrive at the dramatic climax of the Joseph story: where Judah approached the viceroy of Egypt to offer himself as a prisoner in exchange for his brother Benjamin – not knowing that the viceroy was none other than his […]

Mikeitz Gen. 41:1 – 44:17  By Rabbi Baht Weiss On Thursday night, our weeklong celebration of Hanukkah came to an end.   Each night we have lit our hanikkiyot remembering the miracle of the few but might Maccabees who though small in number were heavily strengthened by their faith. The message of Hanukkah always seems poignant […]

VaYeishev Gen. 37:1 – 40:23  Rabbi Gary Pokras   Who needs a soap opera? Our parashah opens with family dysfunction, and then goes downhill from there. Jacob lavishes intense favoritism upon youngest son Joseph, and his brothers seethe with envy and hate. Then, to make matters worse, Jacob sends Joseph to check up on and “bring […]

VaYishlach Gen. 32:4 – 36:43 by Rabbi Baht Weiss   Do you ever wonder why the Jewish people are called B’nei Yisrael, the Children of Israel? In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob’s name is changed to Yisrael, Israel which means one who wrestles with God. In the middle of the night, Jacob has either a […]

VaYeitzei Gen. 28:10 – 32:3  Rabbi Gary Pokras (originally published in 2018)  This week Jacob literally finds himself between a rock and hard place. After stealing the Blessing of Succession from Esau by tricking their father Isaac, Jacob flees the camp for his life, hoping for safety and security with his Uncle Laban. That night […]