This week’s portion is titled Va’Yechi, which means And He Lived. The portion begins by discussing the final 17 years of the life of Jacob, third, and in many ways greatest, of the Patriarchs. It is ironic that the portion that talks about Jacob’s death is called, “And He Lived.” [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: To Life! Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi
This essay covers Joseph’s oath to Jacob of his burial in Machpelah; Jacob’s ‘adoption’ of Joseph’s two sons; Jacob’s crossed arms preferential blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh; Jacob’s testament to Judah. I have chosen four passages, for hoped-for comparison via the internet with writings attributed to ancient Israel’s neighbors. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Torah (Va-Yehi) Compared with Ancient Practices Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish Religion
Following are Jewish programs of interest to lay and academic audiences that may be accessed via the Internet, January 3rrd through 9th. They are listed in Pacific Standard Time. [Laurie Baron, Ph.D]
Streaming Jewish Programs (January 3-9, 2021) Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lawrence Baron, Science, Medicine, & Education, Trivia, Humor & Satire, USA
When our soul ascends to heaven, we bring every day we’ve lived, with us. Our days don’t disappear upon our death, but rather stay with us…forever. Every day, the special meaning we give to the days of our lives, accompany us through eternity. This is why keeping ourselves pure, acting with kindness, compassion, humility and truly not judging others are so essential to our eternal lives. Does this awareness help you realize the potential that awaits you? [Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Jacob’s ‘death’ was not as we understand it Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell
Should Orthodox congregations permit Zoom services? There is debate over whether this is permissible under Jewish law (Halakhah). I am not a major Torah scholar and do not pretend to be one. The answer needs to come form the rabbinic sages of our time. However today these answers must address issues of life or death. [Rabbi Bernhard H. Rosenberg]
Orthodox debate Zoom gatherings on Shabbat Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Jewish Religion
In the first book of my series of Mysteries of Judaism, I pointed out that all of the biblical holidays, such as Passover, and rabbinical Jewish holidays, as Chanukah and Purim, were changed over the years. Some, as Passover on Nissan 14, even disappeared even though mandated in the Torah. Some, like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, although many think these are the most holy of biblical Jewish holidays, are not mentioned in the Torah, both replace Bible holidays. [Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin]
Why do bad things happen to good people? Read More »
Israel Drazin-Rabbi Dr., Jewish Religion
In the Dec. 27, 2020 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been vaccinated against Covid-19.
A woman and a Druze Arab make Israeli Air Force history.
Historic signing of agreements between Israel and Morocco.
Two new Israeli fabric coatings protect against Covid-19.
Europeans are buying millions of Israeli flowers this month.
They will all come to Jerusalem. [Michael Ordman]
Good News from Israel (December 27, 2020) Read More »
Business & Finance, International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, Michael Ordman, Middle East, Science, Medicine, & Education, The World We Share, Theatre, Film & Broadcast, Travel and Food, USA
Last week’s Parshah ended with Joseph accusing Benjamin of stealing Pharaoh’s cup. Benjamin would not be allowed to return home because of it. In this week’s Torah portion, called Vayigash, we see Joseph’s brother, Judah, pleading to be the one who stays behind. Since Benjamin means so much to Jacob, Judah is afraid their father will die if they return without their youngest brother. [Marcia Berneger]
Torah for Children: Helping Family and Friends Read More »
Jewish Religion, Marcia Berneger
It’s Christmas Day in America, but for me, just a normal Erev Shabbat. I decided to write to you while my Challah is rising to share some thoughts about Jewish education and the role of NewCAJE.
Like most teenage girls, I thought it might be cool to be a cheerleader in high school, but that didn’t happen! Instead, I chose to be a cheerleader for Jewish education—something I deeply believe in– and for Jewish educators like you.
Thoughts of a Jewish educator on Christmas Read More »
Jewish Religion, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
This new groundbreaking work helps a generation of Jews, many of whom have felt incapable of expressing prayer when speaking about the evils and horrors of the Holocaust. At last, somebody has come up with a way to help survivors, the children of survivors, and ordinary thoughtful people who have felt as if they were wandering in the wilderness of silence. [Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel]
A Siddur for the Holocaust Read More »
Bernhard H. Rosenberg-Rabbi, Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Michael Leo Samuel-RabbiThis week’s portion is titled VaYigash, which translates as “And He Approached.” Contextually this portion takes place after Benjamin is accused of having stolen the chalice of Joseph. Of course we know the truth – the chalice had been planted in Benjamin’s sack on Joseph’s orders. Joseph had purposely framed his brother (who did not yet realize that the Viceroy of Egypt was actually his older, full-brother) as a way of testing his older half-brothers. He had to ascertain if they had changed their ways and if they had repented for their betrayal of him some 20+ years previously. [Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort]
A Word of Torah: Diplomacy? Read More »
Jewish Religion, Yeruchem Eilfort-Rabbi
When former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni sent birthday wishes on December 23 to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, she praised Aliyev for leading Azerbaijan “through national and international challenges.” Given the recent events in Eurasia’s South Caucasus region, Livni’s words carry far more than ceremonial meaning. [Jacob Kamaras]
Religious Freedom and Azerbaijan’s Victory in Nagorno-Karabakh Read More »
International, Jacob Kamaras, Jewish Religion, Middle EastThis parasha covers Judah’s emotional soliloquy appeal to the Vizier (Joseph) to not enslave Benjamin, which would threaten their father’s death; Joseph’s emotional breakdown, and revelation of himself to his brothers; the brothers’ generously supplied trip back to Canaan to bring their father Jacob; an enumeration of the Jacob family of 70 persons; settlement of the family in Goshen of the eastern Nile delta, as skillful herdsmen; Jacob’s introduction to the Pharaoh; finally an enumeration of Joseph’s shrewd management of the famine, resulting in the Pharaoh’s ownership of the entire Egypt farmland mass, and its citizens as sharecroppers. [Irv Jacobs, M.D.]
Comparing Torah (Va-Yiggash) with Ancient Practices Read More »
Irv Jacobs, MD, Jewish ReligionThis week’s parasha reveals a great deal about human nature. Indeed, “reveal” is the key word. As the parasha opens, Joseph continues to hide his true identity until his brother, Judah, touchingly entreats Joseph to enslave him instead of their innocent, framed brother, Benjamin. Judah poignantly tells Joseph about their elderly bereaved father, which adds to Joseph’s decision to tell his brothers that he is their brother. {Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D]
Joseph was wise enough to be vulnerable Read More »
Jewish Religion, Michael Mantell