Yosef is described as a ‘handsome’ man, referring to his inner beauty. By evolving your inner qualities, you leverage your capacity to influence the world for the better
Yaakov’s stay with Lavan is described as ‘garti’ – a temporary stay or estrangement. He never viewed amassing wealth with the rich Lavan as his goal, and viewed his stay as temporary, and remained estranged from Lavan’s values, maintaining Taryag Mitzvot.
Yaakov places stones around his head when going to sleep on his way to Lavan. The symbolism: to protect his mind, his true goals, while working for the wily Lavan.
Why circumcise a child at 8 days? Should we not wait till the child attains the age of reason and make decisions then? Commitment goes beyond reason. It is the axiomatic bond that underlies the relationship, not reason. The baby, at 8 days, commits to G-d.
People seek spiritual growth and awareness, which is laudable, but Chassidus teaches us that taking care of our body is equally, if not more, important, for a surprising reason.
The young Rebbe Rashab cries saying it’s not fair that G-d appeared to Abraham but not to him! The grandfather, the Tzemach Tzedek, explains why Abraham deserved G-ds appearance, as we too deserve it if we stand firm in life’s severe tests.
Life’s tests aren’t there to destroy us but to strengthen and advance our growth as with Abraham. And as we see also with the soul’s descent into a body.
The Flood was not a ‘punishment’ but a ‘behaviour modification’ device to ’cleanse’ a corrupt world. Today we overcome the flood of worries and concerns by changing our thought patterns and taming the ego.
Beginnings set the template for future development. Of particular significance is the beginning of a child’s growth as that future is what becomes the nature of society.
This 5 part series is an exploration of the secrets contained in the beginning of the book of Bereshit (Genesis). Drawing on the teachings of the scholars and mystics, Rabbi Menachem Wolf reveals the incredible messages and timeless lessons that are encoded in the words of the Torah. Introduction: The relationship of science and religion,…
The name of the Parsha means life – Jacob’s life which he finally enjoys with family and Torah learning. What are your goals in life? How truly meaningful are they? Will you chase a bucket-list of experiences or have the benefit of true fulfilment as did our forefather Yaakov?
When his youngest brother, Binyamin, was being held in Egypt, Yehuda had no hesitation challenging their full might. This is a lesson for us today to stand tall and proud in the face of antisemitism. And Israel must stand tall and proud in the face of hostility from the nations of the world.
The name of the Parsha MiKeitz symbolises the end of an era, the end of this era and the beginning of the Messianic era known as the date of Keitz. Channuka culminates with the lighting of eight candles, eight being the number of miracles, beyond seven, the symbol of nature, and a hint of Moshiach.…
Trusting in Hashem does not mean to sit back and wait for good things to happen. Yosef relied on the butler to intercede with Pharoah on his behalf. Being a Tzaddik he should have relied exclusively on G-d. But we, being less than Tzaddikim need both – trust in G-d as well as our own…
