This week’s reading finishes the book of Genesis; the first of the Five Books of Moses given directly and publicly by the Creator of the Universe to the entire Jewish nation at Mount Sinai. But strangely this book, unlike the other four, contains no religion, miracles or even mentions of heaven or hell; the stuff Bibles are made of • Read More

From the desk of Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Director of the Meaningful Life Center:  What distinguishes the very wise from the wise? Their ability to never get distracted by the moment and always look at the big picture. The view from the ground level allows you to perceive only that which is within your reach and range — the immediate here and now, and the space in your proximity and scope • Full Article

The Talmud tells us that Jacob wanted to reveal the end of days to his sons but G-d’s presence (the Shechina) left him and he wasn’t able to.” Does this make sense? First of all, what is so important about the date when Moshiach will arrive? Second, why couldn’t he tell? It’s only a date, certainly he didn’t forget it! And what does it mean that the Shechina departed from him? …Read the full Dvar Torah by Rabbi Tuvia Bolton • Full Article

From the desk of Rabbi Nissim Lagziel, Mashpia in Oholei Torah: The central narrative of this week’s parsha, Vayechi, is Yaakov giving blessings to the twelve tribes. Yaakov has his twelve sons gather around his bed and he tells them, “What will happen to you at the end of days.” What message is there in this for us today? • Full Article