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The Torah narrates the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker in parallel, inviting readers to compare their imagery and outcomes. Both officials “dreamed a dream on the same night, each according to his own interpretation” (Genesis 40:5). Yet with all their similarities, subtle distinctions guide the reader toward opposite fates.
We need to develop a shared language with like-minded people of different backgrounds, since our belief in family as the cornerstone of a righteous community and society is relevant to everyone. The Book of Genesis lies at the heart of that language.
It is easier to have cataracts removed from our eyes than to eliminate “mental cataracts” from our minds. But proper vision—physical and intellectual—demands both operations.
Although the medieval recasting of Hanukkah as a celebration of the victories of the Maccabees is important, the core of the talmudic observance celebrates the Sages' stand against assimilation and religious zealotry.
Rabbi Hayyim Angel shares some thoughts on this week's Torah portion.
We remind ourselves: we are Yisrael. We face struggles…but we prevail. We muster the physical strength to ward off enemy attacks; we draw on our spiritual strength to overcome ideological opponents.
Janet Kirchheimer offers poignant thoughts on the passing of her beloved mother, on the nature of grief, on the resilience needed to move forward with life.
Rather than serving primarily as an ethnic description, the Chosen People concept is deeply rooted in religious ethics. It contains a universalistic message that belongs to the community of nations. All are descendants from Adam and Eve, created in God’s Image.
While so much of the news focuses on dissension among groups, it is important to be aware of significant efforts to bring people together in friendship and mutual understanding. Rabbi Dr. Alon Goshen-Gottstein is director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute.