The blessing for bread — Hamotzi — we say, "Who brings forth bread from the earth". Why do we not acknowledge God as the Creator of bread, as we do with other blessings?Actually, the wording of this blessing seems to be a quotation from God's announcement to Moses:"You will know that I am the Lord your God, Who brings you forth ('Hamotzi') from under the Egyptian subjugation." (Ex. 6:7) Is there some connection between bread and the Exodus from Egypt? Read more »
How long is the long voyage?. How circuitous must the road to redemption be?. How much patience must this people have to endure the perilous path of exile? These were the painful question that perplexed Moshe in Egypt when he cried out to G-d; Read more »
“And I appeared” Exodus 6:2-9:35 The Torah portion begins with the word Vaeira which means “And I appeared”. It is a portion that will reveal much of G-d’s rulership , compassion and control. G-d begins by revealing more of His Private Name to Moshe. He then declares His promise to His people using the [...] Read more »
True humility comes from a different, more objective source: awareness of our place in the universe. This humbleness is independent of the vagaries of life's circumstances. It is based on recognition of our true worth, on insight into the essence of the soul, and a clear understanding of the nature of reality. Read more »
When Moshe asks G-d "and they shall say to me: What is His name?", he is asking how can these people relate to you and how can they be inspired?. Read more »
Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 The Children of Israel though oppressed, become very numerous in the land of Egypt. Joseph is gone and is now either consciously or unconsciously forgotten by the new Pharaoh who burdens the people of Israel under slavery .Out of fear or hatred Pharaoh orders the Hebrew midwives, Shifrah and Puah, to [...] Read more »
One can never ascribe with certitude Divine intentions and purpose to dramatic events in our lives. Yet one cannot be help but be awakened by such events and be cognizant that meaning must be explored and introspection becomes crucial. Read more »
Genesis 47:28-50:26 The Torah portion describes the final 17 years of Yaacov’s life in Egypt and begins with the words Vayechi Yaacov, which means “and Yaacov lived.” These were the final years of his life and yet the portion begins with the words “and Yaacov lived.” And at this time, Yaacov’s vision for his children [...] Read more »
Vayigash Genesis 44:18-47:27 We are told that Judah approaches Joseph to plead for the release of Binyamin, his younger brother. The use of the word approach is instructive. Again we see an active stepping into destiny and decision making that changes history. He offers himself as a slave instead of Binyamin. Read more »
Pharaoh dreams of seven fat cows that are swallowed up by seven lean cows, and of seven fat ears of grain swallowed by seven lean ears. Yosef iscalled out of the prison cell and interprets his dreams. He tells tham that seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of hunger, and advises [...] Read more »