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Vayeishev 5760 -
December 3, 1999 |
The Flame
We strive upwards, yearning to transcend the physical, the human and the particular, and fuse with the universal and the divine. At the same time, we cling to the body, to the bit of matter that sustains us as dynamic and productive participants in G-d's world.
A Rehearsal for Redemption
I was considering going outside for a break when, without warning, the Rebbe turned my way and looked me straight in the eyes, he placed two fingers against his mouth and nodded in my direction, several times. I could not understand what he meant. For every nod of the head, I responded with a shrug. His fingers still rested on his lower lip and he nodded once more, this time forcefully.
| FROM THE CHASSIDIC MASTERS |
Joseph And His Brothers
The conflict between Joseph and his brothers, particularly that between Joseph and Judah, runs like a seam across the entire the history of Israel. At times Joseph gains the upper hand, at times Judah prevails, but the schism always resurfaces. Our sages even speak of two Messiahs, each with a role to play in the in the final fulfillment of Israel's mission—a Messiah descendant from Joseph, and a Messiah from the royal house of David, from the tribe of Judah.
The Longer Shorter Way
The Torah and its commandments (mitzvot) are the Creator's blueprint for creation, detailing the exact manner in which He meant life to be lived and His purpose in creation to be fulfilled. But is a life that is ordered by Torah indeed feasible? Can the ordinary "everyman" be realistically expected to conduct his every act, word and thought in accordance with the Torah's most demanding directives?
My Sojourn in the Garden of Eden
My eyes opened to see a hummingbird sip nectar from a tree blossom. I had seen that once before, but here it was happening all around me. Why did I deserve to be here after living all my life in one of the ugliest suburbs on the East Coast? I had come here from a gray landscape of supermarkets, diners, and bars— iron and asphalt trimmed by ribbons of flashing lights.
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Vayeishev
Genesis 37:1–40:23
Week of November 28 - December 4, 1999
The Parshah in a Nutshell
Full Parshah Summary with Commentary
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