Weekly Torah Commentary

In naming his sons, Joseph communicates his thoughts on living in Egypt, alone and distant from his family.

Both Jacob and Joseph understood the importance of imbuing their descendants with a commitment to the Land of Israel.

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's experience in prison teaches him, and us, that we succeed and flourish when we support those around us.

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.

By judging others favorably and responding to them with kindness, we add holiness to the world.