Pray

Ein Keloheinu: A Blessing Explosion

Recited at the end of Shabbat morning services, this beautiful poem does a lot with a little.

Hanukkah 2023

In 2023, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Thursday, Dec. 7 and lasts until sundown on Friday, Dec. 15.

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Hanukkah

Lesser-known facts about the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah 101

From candle-lighting to Maccabees and latkes to dreidels.

Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, Jacob favors Joseph, and this angers Joseph’s brothers. Joseph has dreams in which he predicts reigning over his brothers, provoking them further. They decide to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Tamar disguises herself as a prostitute and sleeps with her father-in-law, Judah. In Egypt, the wife of Joseph’s owner tries to seduce Joseph, and when he rejects her, she accuses him of trying to rape her and has him sent to prison. In prison, Pharaoh’s baker and butler have dreams, and Joseph interprets them correctly.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Vayeshev

Genesis 37:1 – 40:23

Amos 2:6 – 3:8

Parashat Vayeshev: Finding Light, Making Change

This Torah portion tells the story of Tamar, a woman who saw the possibility of new life where others saw only death.



More from MJL

Must-Know Hanukkah Words and Phrases

Key vocabulary for the Jewish Festival of Lights.

How to Talk to God

The Hasidic prayer practice of hitbodedut — talking to God freely in one’s native tongue — helps to build intimacy over time.

8 Hanukkah Traditions From Around the World

From bonfires to hanging menorahs to an extra candle, here are some lesser-known Jewish Hanukkah traditions from all over the globe.

Why the Maccabees Aren’t in the Bible

The books that tell the Hanukkah tale didn’t make it into the Hebrew Bible — but they are in the Catholic one.

Why Music is Fundamental to Jewish Prayer

Jewish tradition teaches that music unlocks the door to divine connection.

The History of Hanukkah

How the festival of lights became a holiday, and how it has evolved in modern times.