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Asher Yatzar: Gratitude for the Rhythm of Life
The blessing traditionally recited after using the restroom reimagined as praise for the inner drumbeat sustaining the body.
Fourteen Things You Need to Know About King David
The mighty warrior and sweet singer slew Goliath, stole the throne, and conquered Jerusalem—and that’s just a start!
The Tattoo Taboo in Judaism
Body ink is a no-no, but it won’t bar you from Jewish life.
Ask the Expert: Is Swordfish Kosher?
Why is the kosher status of this fish a source of controversy?
The Story of “Oy Vey”
Half Hebrew, half Aramaic, this classic lament is all Jewish.
Next Torah Portion
Summary
Rebecca and Isaac have twins, the smooth-skinned Jacob, whom Rebecca favors, and the hairy Esau, who Isaac favors. After returning from a hunting trip, Esau asks his brother for some lentil soup, but Jacob tells him he must trade him his birthright. Years later, when Isaac is old and blind, Jacob tricks their father into giving him the firstborn blessing. Jacob leaves home, fearing his brother will retaliate, and finds a wife at his uncle Laban’s house.
Parashat Toldot
Torah Reading
Genesis 25:19-28:9
Haftarah
I Samuel 20:18-42 | Shabbat Machar Chodesh
Featured Commentary
Parashat Toldot: Opening the Conversation
This portion records the first instance in the Torah of someone initiating a dialogue with God.
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Daf Yomi
Bava Batra 154
Unscrupulous documents.
Bava Batra 153
A woman scorned.
Bava Batra 152
On two steeds?
STUDY RESOURCES
recharge now
Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:
Time at My Side
Why I’m letting go of the future and recommitting to the here and now.
Sacred Dark
Jewish sources portray darkness as both the embodiment of death and as the wellspring of creativity.
Freedom Beyond the Self
Freedom requires us to know what we are for, what we will do with our freedom, and how that will impact others.
MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING
Must a Jew Believe in God?
The centrality of God in Judaism may not be as straightforward as you think.
Jews and Finance
The idea that Jews are good with money is one of the oldest Jewish stereotypes. But it’s undeniable that Jews are well-represented in finance and business.
History of the Jews of Ukraine
Once Europe’s largest Jewish community, Ukraine has had a major influence on the development of Ashkenazi Jewish culture.
Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment
This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.
What is Jewish Meditation?
“Truly, you are where your mind is,” taught the Baal Shem Tov.
Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World
This phrase with kabbalistic roots has come to connote social justice.