Miketz: revealing the secrets
On a continuum between memory and forgetfulness (I remember things that have happened to me in the distant past versus, I do not remember anything) — where would you put yourself? In this week’s Torah portion “Miketz” Yosef gives his two sons the names: Menashe (נ.ש.ה..) and Ephraim (פ.ר.ה.) By giving these names, which mean […]
Vayeshev: What kind of a mother sends her daughter to cross a wolf-infested forest ?
His father’s scolding shook him. It felt like a whip on bare flesh. “And his father rebuked him, and said unto him, what is this dream which thou hast dreamed?” He looked at him embarrassed, like a child breaking an expensive tool while playing. Why is he mad at me? A thought went through […]
Vayishlach: The Darkest Hour Before Dawn
Twenty years have passed and yet he still hears her voice. Her words are like the whisper of dying hot coals in his ears. He never ceased to blow on them with the breath of his longing, to restore the flame. Maybe she would send him to return? And now, my son, hearken to me […]
Vayeytse: Intergenerational transference between Yitzhak and Yaakov
When Esau returns from the hunt and realizes that his blessing was stolen by his brother, he is furious — to the point of wanting to kill him (a jealous brother killing his brother is not something new). Rebecca sends her son from his home to her brother Laban in Haran and promises to […]
Toldot: False-Self
He was not able stand up for himself and refuse her request. How could he refuse a mother who loves him so much? If only she knew how much he longed to receive the blessing from his blind father, who all these years did not notice him, did not actually see him, did not hug […]