The Flood was not merely a warning against perversity and corruption. It demonstrated that the whole purpose of creation is wholeness and unity exemplified by true brotherhood and sisterhood. The…
Creation is continuous. G-d does’t take time off to pay ‘scrabble’. Our mindfulness makes us aware of constant change – G-d’s interest in His project of creation.
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.…
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…
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…
Avraham takes his son Yitzhak to sacrifice him as instructed by G-d. Sarah dies of shock hearing of this undertaking. The two demonstrate different world views, one of obedience and…
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…
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…
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.
Generally, people associate the name, Joseph, with a technicolour coat. In fact, it was somewhat plain in appearance, but did have amazing and magical properties. It had been handed down…
The battle between the brothers Jacob and Eisav has other worldly dimensions. We note that the war is also fought with their respective angels. Peace will one day ensue, with…
When do we shine? When do we draw on stamina, courage and commitment? Inevitably it is while undergoing a challenge, in a state of stress, when the odds seem to…
