Why did Joseph celebrate the naming of his first son with the renunciation of his loving father? The view of a 19th century biblical exegete paves the way for us to make meaning out of sacrifice in times of crisis.

Miketz: Faith in the Future

Pharaoh asks Jacob his age and Jacob responds with a complaint. Why? Three views distill the moment and end with a lesson for translating pain into purpose.

Vayigash: On Being

Why does Jacob seem to interweave his hands? Perhaps it is the central lesson of Genesis put into practice.

Vayechi: Family First

Why does Moshe, the supreme prophet, seem so hesitant to embark on a course of moral action? Abravanel paints the picture of a hero in the making.

Rabbi Dov Lerner