December, 2007

Parshat Hashavua: Shmot         Exodus 1:1-6:1
 
The Book of Exodus relates the centerpiece of the Jewish master story: how the Jewish people were enslave by Pharaoh in Egypt, that God heard their cry and chose Moses as his agent to demand that the people be freed, that after suffering 10 plagues, Pharaoh liberated the people, who traveled to Mt. Sinai to receive God’s commandments, and prepare to wander in the desert on their way to the Promised Land.
 

Parshat Hashavua:         Vay’hi Genesis 47:28-50:26

Hazak, Hazak, v’Nit hazek: Strength, Strength, May we all strengthen one another! We will stand at the end of this week’s Torah reading to recite these traditional words as we conclude the Book of Genesis, the longest of the five books of the Torah.

Parshat Hashavua: Vayigash               Genesis 44:18-47:27
 
This third of four installments in the Joseph epic is also where the story reaches its climax when Joseph finally reveals his identity to the shock and amazement of his brothers.
 

Mikketz Genesis 41:1-44:17

Joseph languishes in prison (see last week) for two years when Pharaoh dreams dreams that no one can interpret. The chief butler, restored to his position as Joseph predicted, tells Pharaoh of the Jewish prisoner’s talents. Joseph is brought before Pharaoh and predicts that seven good years of bounty and good produce will be followed by seven bad years of famine. Joseph suggest Pharaoh find someone to oversee the collection of food during the years of plenty to provide for the years of famine.

Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23