In the beginning of this week’s Torah reading, Esav (Esau) sold his first-born status to his brother Yaakov (Jacob), in exchange for a dish of lentils. The verse says that […]
Weekly Torah Portion
Explore insights and lessons from the Book of Bereishit. Discover timeless messages from the weekly Torah portions, brought to you by Oorah’s TorahMates.
The Final Test From God The Mishnah (Avos 5:3) says that our patriarch, Abraham, was handed ten major tests by God. Rabbeinu Yonah writes that the final test was an […]
Kindness Through a Messenger – A Deficiency? In this week’s Torah reading, Avraham Avinu (our patriarch Abraham) welcomed three guests, who were angels disguised as humans. Avraham then went to […]
What Does God Want From Me Now? In this week’s Torah reading (17:1), God asks of Avraham Avinu (our patriarch Abraham) to walk in front of Him and be “complete.” […]
In this week’s Torah reading, the Torah makes note of a certain episode in history which took place. Noach had gotten drunk, and was found by his son Cham, rolling […]
Why Wait for Prayers? The verse in this week’s Torah reading says (2:5) that although all the plants were created during the six days of creation, the plants hadn’t grown […]
As the world mourns the passing of the celebrated soccer player, Pelé, a most unique hockey team has just lost the state championship. This team is made up of Jewish […]
As Jacob neared his death, Parshas Vayechi describes an interesting exchange that took place. Joseph came to his father with his two sons for them to be blessed. Joseph placed […]
In Parshas Vayigash, the drama between Joseph and his brothers reaches its climax. Joseph was the ruler of Egypt, and his brothers, who came to purchase food from him, did […]
Parshas Vayeshev tells us that the Arab caravan that carried Yosef down to Mitzrayim was filled with spice merchants. Rashi says that usually they carry kerosene and other foul-smelling goods, […]