by Admin | f 28, 2016 | Vayigash
The first Israeli to win a Nobel Prize offered a sweeping account of the wanderings of the Jewish people throughout exile in his banquet speech. Dressed in tails and a black tie with a giant black kippah on his head in 1966 in Stockholm, writer Shai Agnon began his...
by Tuly Weisz | f 18, 2015 | Vayigash
The following is a taste of our Israel Bible Reading Plan. Follow the weekly portion with summaries, insights and lively conversation. To register, click here. Last week’s portion ended with a cliff-hanger, as Joseph called for Benjamin’s servitude. This week’s...
by Tuly Weisz | f 17, 2015 | Vayigash
This week’s portion begins in the middle of the story of the final confrontation between Joseph and his brothers, before Joseph reveals himself to them. At the end of last week’s portion, we heard Joseph’s cruel accusations and Judah’s failed attempts to appease...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 13, 2015 | Vayigash
The Torah details Joseph’s administrative work. As people come from across Egypt and Canaan to buy bread, Joseph amasses great wealth for Pharaoh. When the people run out of money for food, he accepts livestock as payment. When even that is diminished, he takes their...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 13, 2015 | Vayigash
Jacob sets out for Egypt, stopping in Beersheba on the way. There, God addresses him, reassuring him not to fear the descent to Egypt, for there He will make them a great nation. The Israel Bible remarks on the use of the word ‘descent’, which serves as a reminder...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 13, 2015 | Vayigash
Last week’s portion ended with a cliff-hanger, as Joseph called for Benjamin’s servitude. This week’s portion opens with Judah stepping forward in defense of the brother whose safety he personally assured his father. Judah reviews the events to date for Joseph:...