Evergreen

The first chapter of the biblical book of Ezekiel served as the textual starting point for the merkavah mystics—and hints at an image of God.

Few post-talmudic works have been as revered as the Zohar, the mystical commentary on the Torah.

The Hasidim wrote and told stories about their leaders.

Some traditional Jewish authorities condemn homosexuality, while advocating compassion for individual gays and lesbians.

The Torah does not address lesbianism, but later rabbinic commentators frowned upon it.

While the Torah does not forbid premarital sex, the rabbis of the talmudic era prohibited it--but one modern authority proposed a sanctioned form of exclusive sexual relationship outside of marriage.

Jacob's death provokes the latent fear in Joseph's brothers that Joseph bears a grudge against them and the desire to make peace with him.

Jacob and Pharaoh's brief interaction over Jacob's age raises many questions about the complex relationship between the two.

Joseph serves as a model of creating opportunities for repentance and forgiveness.

The creation of many languages raises questions about communication today.