Parsha Vayichi: The Torah Ends an Era

This week’s parsha (Torah portion) marks more then the end of the first book of the Torah.  It also marks the passing of an era.  We start by discovering Yakov (Jacob) is dying and we end with the death of Yoseph (Joseph). Both of these have something in common:  neither want their remains left in Egypt.  We do not hear of this request from anyone else.  And interestingly, the parsha is entitled Vay’chi which can mean he lived or he … Continue reading

Parsha Vayetze: The Torah of Leah

The parsha (weekly Torah portion) for this week is about going out,  at least if you go by the name of the parsha. The name of a parsha comes from the first significant word of the parsha, which in this case is a form of the verb, “To go out.” Our parsha starts with Yakov (Jacob) going out from Be’er Sheva to Haran where his uncle lives.  On the way he has a dream of a ladder, with angels going … Continue reading