Parsha Va-ayra: A Torah on Getting God to Work for YOU!!!

Last week was the beginning of our fearless heroes try to break the iron clasp of Pharaoh, king of Egypt! The Torah left us with our fearless leader, Moshe (Moses) asking haShem (god) what good he was doing, and haShem replying to just wait and see; the fun is about to begin. Well, the fun begins in this week’s parsha (Torah portion) which is called Va-ayra which means, “And I appeared.”  It starts with god telling Moshe that he appeared … Continue reading

Parsha Vayigash: A Torah Reunion

Welcome from Eugene, Oregon, where, even though it is below freezing and there is talk of snow, we are ready to rejoin our heroes.  The parsha (weekly Torah portion)  from last week ended with Yoseph (Joseph) ready to take Benyamim (Benjamin) because it appeared that  he had stolen Yoseph’s divination cup. This week’s parsha continues from this point with Yehuda (Judah) pleading with Yoseph to take him instead of Benyamim.  When Yehuda finishes explaining why Benyamim is so important to … Continue reading