Shabbat

Shabbat and Meditation: Just Be It

How mindfulness can deepen your Shabbat experience — and vice versa

Jewish Ritual Objects: A Guide

From challah covers to yahrzeit candles, what they are used for, how they look and where you can find them.

Am Yisrael Chai: The Meaning and History of this Jewish Rallying Cry

This slogan of Jewish resilience was popularized by the legendary songwriter Shlomo Carlebach.

Jewish Prayer for the Sick: Mi Sheberach

A healing prayer for when a loved one is suffering.

Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, Joseph’s brothers refuse to return to Canaan without Benjamin, whom Joseph has falsely accused of theft. Joseph reveals his true identity and invites his brothers to return for their father, Jacob, and bring him and their families to Egypt to live. When they return, Joseph introduces his father to Pharaoh, and, at Pharaoh’s suggestion, the family settles in Goshen, a particularly fertile region of Egypt.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Vayigash

Genesis 44:18 – 47:27

Ezekiel 37:15 – 37:28

Parshat Vayigash: A Tale of Two Brothers

This Torah portion opens with a passionate exchange between Joseph and Judah, two brothers with distinct personalities.



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Finding a partner through a matchmaker (shadchan) is traditional in some Jewish communities.

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The potential for misuse and mental trauma led to restrictions on who could study Jewish mysticism.

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The importance of this act is emphasized in daily prayers.

The Death Penalty in Jewish Tradition

Capital punishment: allowed in the Torah and Talmud, but rarely carried out by Jewish courts.

How to Plan a Jewish Funeral

A practical guide to preparations for Jewish burial and mourning.