Vayeshev 5775

December 12, 2014 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

Commentary on the Sidra of Vayeshev 5775 By Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald South London Synagogue At the centre of the Sidra, in chapter 38, we find the story of Judah’s separation from his father and brothers. This was after Joseph’s disappearance. The family was in a state of deep shock. Judah, who had proposed Joseph’s sale, […]

Vayeshev 5774

November 26, 2013 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

The main stories in this Sidra focus on Joseph and Judah whose tribes became the leading tribes of the Israelite nation, later in Biblical history. In today’s Sidra Joseph and Judah play a major role, as individuals. They clashed bitterly. The Sidra recounts their terrible and tragic downfall. Joseph ended up in a pit; was […]

Vayeshev 5773

December 6, 2012 by Rabbi Yaakov Grunewald

This Sidra of Vayeshev is devoted, mainly, to the story of Joseph. It begins by telling us that when Joseph was young, he was cared for by Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, because his own mother, Rachel, had died. Leah had six children of her own, so she had no time to look after […]