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Parsha VAYIGASH

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Sharona Margolin Halickman

Dec 26, 2017, 10:06 PM

The significance of being buried in Israel

In Parshat Vayigash, we learn that 70 souls moved down to Egypt (Goshen) as immigrants. They acquired property, were fruitful and increased greatly. It seems like B’nai Yisrael (Yaakov’s children) did very well in Egypt. They adjusted to their new...

Dec 23, 2017, 10:44 PM

'You shall not oppress a stranger'

Illustrative: A Border Patrol vehicle sits along the US-Mexico border wall on January 25, 2017, in San Ysidro, California. (Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images/AFP)

Under Trump's doctrine, if you cross the border into the US with your family, the government will take your children

William Hamilton

Dec 22, 2017, 8:12 PM

Imitation is not always flattery

“The culture in this part of the world is not Starbucks” suggested a presenter to our ADL Counterterrorism Seminar. In the Mideast the role of rumor, the arc of time, and the function of honor, are very different than they...

Dec 21, 2017, 8:37 PM

The messiahs of Joseph and Judah [Parshat Vayigash]

Who is the most authentic claimant to leadership of the Jewish People: Judah or Joseph? The answer to this question has far-reaching implications for the future of the Jewish People, and I believe that we can find an answer...

Dec 21, 2017, 12:44 PM

The first psychotherapist

Illustrative: Viktor Frankl. (Wikipedia, Prof. Dr. Franz Vesely)

At the heart of Judaism is the idea of human freedom: we can rise above our unconscious drives (Vayigash)

Dec 21, 2017, 1:54 AM

The Three Dimensions of the Power Within

Vayigash 5778 Inner power (introduced in last week’s essay) is not a weak form of power; it is not a substitute for the willingness to fight. Inner power lies in not having to resort to a fight because the energy...

Sharona Margolin Halickman

Dec 21, 2017, 12:51 AM

Which of Yaakov’s wives should be listed first?

In Parshat Vayigash, Breisheet 46:8-27 we read the list of B’nai Yisrael (Yaakov’s descendents) who went down to Egypt, seventy people in total. First Leah’s children and grandchildren are listed followed by Zilpah’s, Rachel’s and Bilha’s. Why did the Torah choose...

Dec 19, 2017, 11:31 PM

Forgiveness Heals

It’s easy to get angry and blame others. I do it. We all do it. But even when the blame is warranted, it’s rarely a healthy thing for us to do. Blaming and Rebuilding In my work as a personal injury...

Ben-Tzion Spitz

Dec 19, 2017, 11:45 AM

Vayigash: Angry Words

A gentle response allays wrath; A harsh word provokes anger. -- King Solomon, Proverbs 15:1 Joseph, viceroy of Egypt, has sprung the trap on his brothers, who still don’t recognize that he’s their sibling. He decrees that young Benjamin will...

Ariel Ben Avraham

Dec 17, 2017, 11:12 PM

Parshat Vayigash: Solving the Jewish identity crisis (III)

Jacob was fully aware of the honor and also the obligations of the Covenant his fathers had with their God. Hence Jacob’s vision for the family that he forged, knowing that it would become not only a nation but...

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