Weekly Torah Commentary

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

God's presence at Jacob's deathbed teaches us that our reactions to the situations in which we find ourselves determine our spiritual perceptions.

We should strive to emulate Abraham and Isaac rather than emulating Laban, who compartmentalized his values.

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

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

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.

Judah's plea to Joseph marks his transition into claiming responsibility and facing the consequences of his actions.

On his deathbed, Jacob blesses his sons and asks them to bury him in Canaan.

As Jacob descends to Egypt he calls on the God of Isaac to assure him that this decision is correct.