genesis Archives – Page 5 of 8

Stuck in the middle

Rabbi Daniel Bouskila November 9, 2007

Throughout our history, my family\’s descendants have been mistreated, traumatized and deceived (just like me), yet somehow, we always survived. We always insisted, either physically or metaphorically, on \”staying in the land and digging wells,\” despite \”the famine.\” So perhaps our people refer to themselves by the names of my father and son, but their inner character and strength as tough survivors comes from me, Isaac. It is my story — the story of a survivor — that is really their story.

Troublesome numbers

Rabbi Haim Ovadia November 2, 2007

The most fascinating, intriguing and philosophically engaging book of the Tanakh (if we are allowed to indulge in ratings) is undoubtedly the first one — Bereshit, or Genesis. It tackles questions of creation and destiny, society and government, as well as the different facets of human behavior, sibling rivalry, envy and miscommunication.

Sleepovers for Strangers

Rabbi Dov Fischer October 26, 2007

Today, the symbols of hospitality more typically are the bedroom at the end of the hall, the face and bath towels, and an old blanket with pillowcases that don\’t match. But that\’s OK. Because if it is part of their childhood, your children will continue this wonderful tradition of hachnasat orchim when they have homes and households. They are watching you and learning. Just as you do what your parents did when you grew up. Just as Joseph. Just as Rivkah. Just as Lot. All continuing this remarkable tradition, so strangely unique in society, of housing unknown sleepovers, feeding them and footing the bill with joy.

Setting out to look within

Rabbi Joshua Levine Grater October 19, 2007

We have the chance, each and every week, to take the journey of Abraham, listen for the call of God and then find ways to answer that call.

Picking up the pieces

Rabbi N. Daniel Korobkin October 12, 2007

Noah\’s behavior after the flood represents the ultimate consolation to mankind.

Four simple words

Rabbi Karen Deitsch October 5, 2007

Here on earth, anyone who has been around children knows that sometimes — when your 11-year-old is protesting your refusal to let her have three friends over for the weekend while your 2-year-old asks for the 73rd time why he has to stay buckled in the car seat, all while in bumper-to-bumper traffic — the only thing left to communicate is: \”Because, I said so!\” And if the result is kids believe they are at the humble mercy of a greater power who needs no reason whatsoever to tell it like it is: good.