Torah portion of Vayeitze
In this week’s Torah portion of Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3), Jacob fathers eleven of the twelve founders of the tribes of Israel. In order of birth, the sons are Reuben Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Dan, Naftali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, and Joseph. The birth of Jacob’s twelfth
Torah portion Vayishlach
In this week’s Torah portion of Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), we read about the kidnapping of Dina, the daughter Jacob and Leah. Two of Dina’s brothers, Simon, and Levi, go to extreme measures to rescue their sister. Although Jacob disapproved of their methods, we can learn a
Torah portion Vayeshev
This week’s Torah portion Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1–40:23), starts with dreams and ends with dreams. Joseph’s dreams foretell that he is destined to rule over his family and the dreams of the butler and baker pave the way to Joseph’s miraculous rise from enslavement to
Torah portion Miketz
Years ago, while attending the University of Texas, I met a Rabbi who changed my life. Rabbi Sholom Ber Alperowitz shared a Torah insight based on this week’s Torah portion Miketz (Genesis 41:1–44:17). Joseph’s imprisonment ends when he successful interprets Pharaoh’s dreams of seven
Torah portion Vayigash
There is an expression, “heroes are made, not born.” Someone willing to put his own life at risk to save others is a real hero. One such person was Yehudah. In this week’s Torah portion of Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27), Yehudah risks his life to save his brother
Vayechi
In Hebrew, a Jew is called a “Yehudi.” The Jewish people take their name from the tribe of Yehudah. This is true even if we are not from the tribe of Yehudah. A clear example is found in the book of Esther where Mordechai is described as, “a Jew (Yehudi)
70 people
The book of Exodus is a turning point in Jewish history. This week’s Torah portion (Exodus 1:1 - 6:1) describes how the twelve diverse sons of Yaacov were forged into a unified nation. In Hebrew, the book of Exodus is called “Shemot “which means “Names.” After listing
Torah portion Va’era
On November 9, 1989, I witnessed a miracle. Glued to the television I watched as people on both sides of the Berlin Wall tore down this massive symbol of the global power struggle between dictatorship and democracy. This event was so unanticipated and unbelievable even news reporters called it a
redemption
Although I was only nine years old, I recall the moment I heard the tragic news that President Kennedy was assassinated. I cried and was instantly transformed into someone who had to cope with the realities of death and evil. We all experience transformative moments. For some, it is the
Acts 7:14
Defending My Faith at 35,000 Feet On a flight to Israel, I was seated next to a man named John, who happened to be an evangelical Christian. John shared his excitement about visiting the “Holyland” for the very first time. Our conversation was cordial. However, at 35,000 feet,
miracles
The Miraculous Kick That Saved a Life My interest in martial arts began when I was 12 years old. I wrestled in high school and was on my college judo team, and over the years, I have practiced various techniques. More recently, I trained extensively in Israeli Krav Maga with
Torah portion Bo
I recall the moment I heard the tragic news of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. My initial reaction was disbelief — and then I cried. In the blink of an eye, I was transformed from an innocent child to someone confronted with the realities of life and death. Everyone experiences
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