Genesis

Parsha Bereshit “In the Beginning”

“In the beginning God created…” The renowned portion that has been recounted through numerous generations and many centuries of time is once again upon us. As we read through this portion, I have heard people in the past speculate about what was before the universe’s beginning. It is definitely an interesting topic, one that generally leads … Continue reading Parsha Bereshit “In the Beginning”

Parsha Noah Genesis 6:9-11:32

In last week’s portion we read the words of Lamech when he named his son “Noach—Noah.” Lamech said, “This one will comfort us (y’nachamenu) concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” The name Noah comes from the Hebrew word “Nacham” which can be translated as comfort/mercy. However, why did Lamech … Continue reading Parsha Noah Genesis 6:9-11:32

Parsha Lech Lecha Genesis 12:1-17:27

This week’s Torah Portion begins with God’s call to Abram (Avram—Later to become Abraham/Avraham). God said to Abram “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” Now, up to this point in history, we could read the Biblical narrative and come to view God … Continue reading Parsha Lech Lecha Genesis 12:1-17:27

Parsha Vayera Genesis 18:1-22:24

As I read through this week’s portion I couldn’t help but follow a seemingly common thread tying last week’s and this week’s portions together. The name of this week’s portion is “Vayera” which is generally translated as “And [He] Appeared.” The Hebrew root form of the word “Vayera” is the term “Ra’ah” and has to do with “sight, seeing and/or vision.” Reading through this Torah … Continue reading Parsha Vayera Genesis 18:1-22:24

Parsha Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:18

This week’s portion begins with the words “Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” Why does this portion immediately begin with the … Continue reading Parsha Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:18

Parsha Toldot Genesis 25:19-28:9

This parsha is the only portion dedicated to the life of Isaac. In the Torah there are 3 portions dedicated to the life of Abraham, 6 portions dedicated to the lives of Jacob and his sons, but only 1 portion dealing with Isaac’s life. Because of this, it is easy to skip over the life … Continue reading Parsha Toldot Genesis 25:19-28:9

Parsha Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:2

It is amazing how rich every Torah portion can be! This week is no exception as we dive right in to the story of what many people refer to as “Jacob’s Ladder” or “Jacob’s Dream.” Last weeks portion informs us that Jacob is fleeing from his brothers murderous intentions while also on a mission from … Continue reading Parsha Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:2

Parsha Vayishlach Genesis 32:3-36:43

In this week’s portion we jump immediately into the action of Jacob’s exciting return to the Land of Canaan. Jacob has been gone from his homeland for some 20 odd years and is finally making the trek back as a wealthy and esteemed individual. But during his journey back, the very person that forced him … Continue reading Parsha Vayishlach Genesis 32:3-36:43

Parsha Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23

It is amazing that every week there is so much to explore, discover and uncover! Never a dull moment in the Torah, this week’s Parsha dives headfirst into the lives of Jacob and his sons. In this Parsha (Portion) it starts out telling us, “Now Jacob dwelt in the land where his father was a … Continue reading Parsha Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23

Parsha Miketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

I have enjoyed every minute of these weekly observations and this week is no different as we jump into the Torah portion Miketz. I haven’t had as much time as I would’ve liked in order to study the portion since we are still in full swing with Hanukah festivities. Every week I feel like I … Continue reading Parsha Miketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

Parsha Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27

There is so much in this portion that could lead in so many different directions, but instead of going into really deep concepts this week, I wanted to simply explore the part of this story that really touched me and see where we end up. This portion begins with the encounter between Joseph and Judah. … Continue reading Parsha Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27

Parsha Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26

The last portion in the book of Genesis tells of the life of Jacob and his family living in Egypt. Jacob recognized even before leaving Canaan, the vision of Abram in Genesis 15 was coming true. “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, … Continue reading Parsha Vayechi Genesis 47:28-50:26