Vayechi

“Pakod Yifkod” – On Leadership and a Jewish State

Pakod tells us we need mefakdim (officers) and mefakdim of mefakdim. Yosef taught his brothers that liberation is not to solve the problems of individuals. Liberation of only the ideal members of society is not liberation

May a Cohen Go to the Dentist?

Yaakov Avinu blessed his sons with brachos appropriate to their future callings in life. They and their children after them for generations engaged in many different professions, some of them even becoming dentists…

When Can We Lie?

Humans are destined to conflict so long as contending groups each claim to have a monopoly of the truth. The only way they will learn to live at peace is by realising that they will never in this life achieve truth as it is in Heaven.

Life’s Loose Ends

With typical Torah irony, the parsha of Vayechi – “and he will live” – is centered around death. Both Yakov & Yosef, two of the greatest personalities in all of Jewish history, will pass away in this final sedra of Sefer Bereisheit.

Future sight

Judaism and the Jewish people always look toward the future even when their current circumstances are bitter and sad. Jacob himself appraised it when he said he would receive his reward tomorrow.

Boycott Israel?

The BDS lobby is a powerful force in world politics. Where does its power come from?

More on Sales and Family Repair

The reunion that we saw last week returns in our parasha for a “second edition.” The crying is renewed, and the question of how to repair the torn fabric of Yaakov's family is back on the table in full force after Yaakov’s death.

A Shoulder to Cry Upon