Though Hashem controls the world, we are responsible for doing our part. We do not determine the ultimate result but are responsible for making good

Chag Tu B’Shevat At first glance, Tu B’Shevat, the Rosh Hashanah for fruit trees (Mishnah, R”H 1:1-2), seems to be of mere technical significance—the calendar

An Unhappy Place Even though happiness is “the ultimate good at which all humans aim” (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book 1), the world has become a

God Intends The Good Yosef Hatzaddik was in a terrible situation. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, he had every reason to feel wronged.

After focusing on achdut over the past few weeks, we return to personal growth topics. In light of current events, we revisit the subject of

לא ארץ נכריה לקחנו, ולא ברכוש זרים משלנו. כי אם נחלת אבותנו שנכבשה בלא משפט, וכאשר היה לקל ידינו השיבונו אותה לנו (ספר המכבים א:טו:לג–לד

After decades of struggles and challenges, in Parshat Vayeshev, Yaakov Avinu aims to settle down and live peacefully. Instead, the conflict between Yosef and his

This week’s parsha describes Yaakov arriving at Shechem “shaleim, whole” (Bereishit 33:18). Rav YY Jacobson asks: “What a gift it is—to be whole, complete. To

Stone or Stones When Yaakov lay down to sleep at Har Hamoriah, he placed multiple rocks around his head (Bereishit 28:11). When he awoke, the

Why Bless Eisav? Already in the womb, it was clear that Yaakov and Eisav were headed in very different directions. When they grew up, Eisav

Hashem promised Avraham that his children would be great in number. Though we have never been more than a small fraction of the world’s population,

Avraham’s Brother This week, we read of an event very similar to what we are experiencing. Avraham goes to war to free Lot, who was