Parshat Hashavua

Joseph used his position of rulership to help his brothers develop coping skills for their upcoming exile.

Fear paralyzes us, rendering us incapable of addressing our most pressing problems.

As God promises to accompany Jacob into exile, we learn that sometimes the challenge of being fully present and sharing in someone's pain is greater than relieving their suffering.

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

Joseph teaches us to use our material success in the service of those who are needy.

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

Joseph reminds us that our perspective of reality is limited compared to the ultimate meaning that God perceives.

The descent into Egypt and Jacob's death left his family in an alien culture, forced to find a context for their traditions within themselves.

Jacob's decision to bless each of his sons individually highlights the need to balance unity with diversity.

Isaac's birth, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the exile of Hagar and the ultimate sacrifice.