Jewish Texts

The Joseph story provides us with a domestic model for our national ability to move through reconciliation to solidarity.

Joseph's actions in dealing with the famine challenge us to strive for a delicate balance of power and compassion.

Joseph teaches us to use our material success in the service of those who are needy.

By personally handing out rations, Joseph established a human connection and involvement with those for whom he provided.

Joseph's warning to his brothers not to quarrel on their way instructs us as well in our relationships with our families and the larger Jewish community.

Jacob and his family's evolving relationship with God illustrates the complex struggle with faith and monotheism.

Jacob and the Jewish people have learned powerful lessons from the experience of exile.

Joseph teaches us to temper love with a sense of duty and a knowledge of right and wrong.

Despite Jacob's negative experiences with favoritism, he repeats this trait in his own family and home.

To be fully educated and human we must study a range of disciplines--humanities and sciences, secular and Judaic.

The brothers could not speak peacefully with Joseph because they allowed their anger and resentment to control them.

Parashat Vayeshev teaches us the importance of ensuring that we enact justice in light of the ease with which our systems of justice can be abused.