Oil From the Rock Of Ages
As Israel begins producing natural gas from the Leviathan Field for the world market, there is a sense that just as the prophets foretold the entire nation will be transformed by the profits
Commentary and opinion on Judaism and other religions and faiths in Israel and the surrounding region in the Middle East.
As Israel begins producing natural gas from the Leviathan Field for the world market, there is a sense that just as the prophets foretold the entire nation will be transformed by the profits
Joseph uses his financial genius and the laws of supply and demand to make serfs out of Egyptian farmers
Joseph finds himself in the position to make his brothers pay for what they had done to him and he does not miss his chance
The parallel stories of Joseph to whom the Blessing is freely given and of Tamar who must risk her life to wrestle it back bracket the human condition
From the rededication ceremony of the Second Temple defiled by priests assimilated into the Greek culture to a housewarming party of a newlyweds’ first apartment in Israel, Hanuka sheds a holy light on the unbroken chain of Jewish generations
In this week’s reading, Jacob is transformed from a follower into a leader of men and a builder of an enduring nation, a nation that still bears his new name of Israel
Jacob (Israel), with his constant struggle to make a name for himself, a struggle that did not stop once he had finally succeeded, is the Patriarch that most defines the nation that carries his name.
Jacob’s 20-year stint in Laban’s service teaches us the virtues of capitalism: hard work, ingenuity, courage, and independence
The story of the twins Esau and Jacob puts neither in a good light, but clearly delineates the cardinal sin of despising one’s heritage above all else
One of the foundational stories of the Jewish people, the story of the Machpelah Cave teaches us the value of loyalty