Thoughts on Parashat Shemot

Why did the Israelites go down to Egypt and got enslaved there? The reason for it is not stated, neither does the Torah deal with the subject of God’s absence from Israel’s history for a period of four hundred years, suggesting by its silence that such was the mysterious plan of God. The human aspect of oppression is told but briefly; the main focus is on the divine aspect of redemption. Additionally, the Book of Exodus sets the scene not for a human struggle between[…]

Thoughts on Parashat Vay’chi

The brethren of Joseph could never have done him so much good with their love and favor as they did with their malice and hatred.
-Thomas More

There are at least several answers to the problem of human suffering in Judaism. They can be broadly divided into two groups: the first includes basically one concept (although it has some variations), namely the deuteronomic doctrine of retribution (or ‘of a just punishment’), according to which there is no suffering that is undeserved. In other words, all suffering is the result of some sin, which means that if you suffer, you must have[…]

Thoughts on Parashat Vayigash

This week’s Torah portion covers a rich variety of aspects. A psychological one – Joseph puts his brothers to a final trial, after which he lets them recognize him, which has important “emotional consequences”. Theologically – a wicked, human plan (selling Joseph) turns out to be an element of a superior, Divine plan, which brings salvation to the entire people of Israel; and politically – the Torah describes among others the process through[…]