by RabbiOlivier | Jan 1, 2016 | Torah Reflections
Shemot Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 You Can Take Moses Out of Egypt, But… This week marks the beginning of the Exodus story with Moses as its central character. At its core, this story is one of liberation. And beneath its literal level, it is about the inner...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 19, 2015 | Torah Reflections
Vayigash Genesis 44:18 – 47:27 Four Jewish Noble Truths This week’s Torah portion marks the critical moment when Jacob and his clan descend into Egypt, setting up the stage for what will unfold next: enslavement, suffering, redemption and revelation. Jacob’s...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 12, 2015 | Torah Reflections
Mikeitz Genesis 41:1 – 44:17 Joseph: Interpreter of Dreams, Creator of Reality Our Torah portion begins with Pharaoh’s famous dreams. The first one: seven cows coming up from the Nile fat and sturdy, followed by seven cows sickly and gaunt. The latter eat the...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 5, 2015 | Torah Reflections
Vayeishev Genesis 37:1 – 40:20 The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Joseph Meet Joseph. Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son, to whom he gave the famous coat of many colors. Though we meet him at seventeen as our Torah portion opens, Joseph is described as a lad, a...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 10, 2015 | Torah Reflections
Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 When Isaac Met Rebekah This week’s Torah portion opens with Sarah’s death. After Abraham mourns her, he sets out to accomplish his last fatherly duty before he, too, makes his transition: finding a wife for his son Isaac....
