I once saw a television advertisement for a smartphone company in which a child is given a large lollipop. Then another child standing nearby receives a much smaller lollipop.

It goes without saying that everything that happens in the world is somehow connected to God. Some things happen because humankind is disobedient and rebellious. Sometimes things happen because we live in a fallen world and there is no one to blame.

This week’s Torah portion brings us to the story of Joseph and his brothers. This is the longest story in the book of Genesis. It is the climax of the narrative of the formation of the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Life is hard. How is that for an obvious statement! We all face difficulties of some kind.

Jacob “went out” (Gen. 28:10) not in confidence but in fear—running from Esau, from rejection, from his past, and from the belief that he wasn’t worthy of God’s blessing.

Everyone knows that the Patriarchs of Israel are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We read about them in the Scriptures and especially in the prayers of the Jewish people.

This week’s Torah portion brings us to a transition. Abraham and Sarah die, and we read about the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. We also read the beginning of the story of Jacob. In the Jewish world we like to say dor l’dor (i.e., from generation to generation).

Everyone likes to be “in the know.” Has anyone ever shared information with you that makes you feel special because you have been entrusted with knowledge of a situation that only a few people have been made aware of?

The first words of the Torah portion and the first words that God speaks to Abraham is “Go!” Literally the text says” “Go, you go!” It reminds me of the first words of Yeshua to some of his disciples.

There are several themes that bind the Torah together like a thread through the text. Holiness and covenant relationship are two such themes. However, one theme that we do not always think about is the theme of blessing.

This week our Torah portion tells the story of creation and brings us all the way to Noah. This early history of humanity helps us understand why the world is so chaotic and dark.

We are one week away from Rosh Hashanah. It is the season of repentance and restoration. It’s a time when we evaluate our lives and our relationship with God.

Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going with my life? Is God with me or against me? I remember all too well the years when those pressing questions had no answer.

Every year when we come to the beginning of Deuteronomy, we are also close to a Jewish observance called Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av).

This week's Torah portion brings us to the end of Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers.  The children of Israel are preparing to enter the land as Moses recounts the history of the wilderness wanderings and the distribution of land.  In chapter 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses if they could settle on the east side of the Jordan without entering the land.

This week’s Torah portion is Pinchas (פִינְחָס). It covers Adonai’s covenant of shalom with Pinchas and his descendants, another census before entering the promised land, appointing Joshua as Moshe’s successor, Halakha (i.e., the way to walk) regarding inheritance, and a compiled check list for appointed sacrifices.

This week's Torah portion is aptly named after Balak, the king of Moab. It describes the interaction between this king and a pagan diviner and prophet named Balaam and his donkey.

This week’s Torah portion is the beginning of the end of the wilderness wanderings.  We read about the death of Miriam (Num. 20:1) and Aaron (Num. 20:28).  We also read the story of Moses’ action which prohibited him from entering the land (Num. 20:2–12).

A recurring theme in the career of Moses as leader of Israel is his loyal love toward the Israelites. We read about his frustration and dissatisfaction, but also about his amazing intercession for the people.

This week, our Torah portion tells the story of the decision of the Israelites to rebel against the Lord and refuse to move forward to possess the land of Canaan.