The Israel Bible

The Secret to True Brotherhood

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 2, 2023 | Shabbat, Vayechi, Parenting

By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz Without a doubt, the sweetest part of the Sabbath is blessing my children. My children are older and no longer live at home. But when we do gather together at the end of a busy week, placing my hands on their bowed heads, invoking God’s...

Jacob’s Redeeming Angel

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 13, 2021 | Bible Study

More than any other character in the Bible, Jacob encounters angels. In his nighttime vision after fleeing Esau, Jacob sees angels ascending and descending a ladder to heaven. Upon returning, he has a far more direct encounter with an angel, wrestling with the angel...

Why do we bless our children to be like Ephraim and Manasseh?

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 12, 2021 | Vayechi, Parenting, Prayer, Tests and Trials

The Torah portion of Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26) tells of the end of Jacob’s life. He lives the last 17 years of his life in Egypt. When he is about to leave the world, Joseph brings his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his father to be blessed. As part of the...

Two Sticks, One Kingdom

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2021 | Ezekiel, Vayigash, Messiah, Redemption, Revelation and Prophecy, Temple

The Torah portion of Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27) completes the story of Joseph’s slavery in Egypt. The story culminates in a dramatic meeting between Judah and Joseph, ending in revelation and reconciliation. Jacob’s household comprised of 70 people descends into...