Judah approached, and said, “Oh my lord, let your servant, I beg you, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not your anger burn against your servant; for you are as Pharaoh.” (Bereisheet/Genesis 44:18) Judah is a foreigner in need. He is accused of a crime. Still, he approaches the powerful angry Egyptian…
Year: 2010
Waiting for her Daughter
People have asked me how I write a dvar Torah. In my own practice, I have several different processes for writing a dvar Torah, depending on what my goal is. This week, I want to explore a long-forgotten event in my life, and I hope the parasha will give me some insight. I thank you…
A Shepherd's Care
In Parshat Vayetze, we learn about the young adult lives of our ancestors Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. They are immersed in a shepherding culture. Their parents are shepherds, and they are named after sheep. Jacob means “Follower,” Rachel means “Ewe,” and Leah means “Wild Mother.” As they mature, they all work in the family business. When Jacob first becomes aware of his…
Birthright Soup (Recipe)
Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of red lentils? Prepare this recipe for “Birthright Soup” and then you’ll know. Soup ingredients 1 large onion, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, crushed; 1-1.5 teaspoons ground cumin; 1-1.5 teaspoons ground coriander; pinch of ground chili pepper; 1 cup split red…
Self-Correcting Cities
What makes Sodom such a sinful city? Torah tells us that the people would gather into a mob to abuse visiting strangers. Our Sages add that only the wealthy were welcome as guests in Sodom. The poor were abused, humiliated, expelled or killed. Midrash Pirkei d’ Rabbi Eliezer (3rd century) teaches that under the laws of Sodom, sharing wealth…