“A man found him (Joseph) wandering in the field. The man asked him: What are you seeking?” (Genesis 37:15) If we are ever wandering in life, bewildered and unsure of our way – we have to clarify our desires and ask: What is it that I am truly seeking? (R’… Read More »GENESIS 37:15 – WHAT ARE YOU SEEKING?
“Your eyes are composed of white and black components, and you only see through the black.” (Midrash Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ So often, it is only through the dark, painful moments in life that we really gain insight, clarity, and spiritual growth. “Man believes in himself and questions the Almighty… Read More »VERSES OF WISDOM
Jacob set up a monument over her grave; it is the monument of Rachel’s grave until today” (Genesis 35:20). The text doesn’t say that this was the monument for Rachel, only the monument of her grave. Rachel herself didn’t need a monument. Righteous men and women don’t need pillars of… Read More »GENESIS 35:20 – A PILLAR OF STONE
“And Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but they seemed to him like a few days because of his love for her” (Genesis 29:20). When we wait impatiently for something, a day can feel like a year. Here, because of the great love he had for Rachel, having to serve… Read More »GENESIS 29:20 – WAIT PATIENTLY
“And they (the two Hittite women that Esav married) were a source of bitterness to Isaac and to Rebecca.” (Genesis 26:35) The Midrash notes that the source of aggravation was because these women were idol worshipers. The Midrash also picks up on an interesting detail in the verse. It doesn’t… Read More »GENESIS 26:35 – A SOURCE OF BITTERNESS
“Abraham rose up from the presence of his dead” (Genesis 23:3). The Radomsker Rebbe understood this passage according to a teaching by Rabbi Eliezer cited in the Talmud (Shabbat 153a). He would always say we should do teshuvah (return to G-d) one day before we die. His students were puzzled… Read More »GENESIS 23:3 – RISE UP
Abraham responded and said: Behold, now, I wanted to speak to my Lord, although I am but dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27). Rabbi Simcha Bunim of P’shischa taught: Every person should have two pockets. In one pocket should be a piece of paper saying: I am but dust and ashes.… Read More »GENESIS 18:27 – TO HAVE TWO POCKETS
“You shall make a skylight for the ark…” (Genesis 6:16) The word for skylight, ‘tzohar’ means illumination. The word for ark, ‘teivah’ also means word. Based on this, the Baal Shem Tov suggested that there is an embedded message for us in this verse. We are supposed to illuminate the… Read More »GENESIS 6:16 – ILLUMINATE WORDS
Inspiration from Rav Moshe Weinberger Parshas Noach 5775 Alone Together When Noach was born, the world was already quickly descending into a state of depravity. He was therefore the world’s hope. That is why his father Lamech named him Noach, which is related to the word “comfort,” saying (Bereishis 5:29),… Read More »ALONE TOGETHER
“Everything is full of riches and greatness, everything aspires to ascend, to be purified, and to be elevated. Everything recites a song, offers praise, magnifies, exalts; everything builds, serves, perfects, elevates, and aspires to unite and to be integrated… The realization dawns on us that were it not for the… Read More »THE UNITY OF EXISTENCE
