Shabbat Chaye Sarah Readings and Commentary...

Genesis 23:1–25:18; 1 Kings 1:1-31 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: Our Torah reading begins with Sarah’s death and ends with Abraham’s death. She was 127 years old. Abraham now set out to negotiate in typical Middle-Eastern style for a burial site. How come that our parasha Chayei Sarah means “the life of Sarah,” although it deals with the death of Sarah? Jewish sages explain...

Shabbat Va’Yetze – And he departed ...

Genesis 28:10–32:3; Hosea 12:13–14:10 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: Jacob begins his walk with God which was not so easy at the beginning, thus the emphasis is on “And he departed.” He left for a foreign country and place called Haran – far away from his father’s house. It was important that God reassured him of the promise: “…Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever...

Shabbat CHAYE SARAH – Sarah’s Life – Sha...

Genesis 23:1–25:18; 1 Kings 1:1-31 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: Our Torah reading begins with Sarah’s death and ends with Abraham’s death. She was 127 years old. Abraham now set out to negotiate in typical Middle-Eastern style for a burial site. How come that our parasha Chayei Sarah means “the life of Sarah,” although it deals with the death of Sarah? Jewish sages explain...

Shabbat Va’jera – And He appeared R...

Genesis 18:1 – 22:24; 2 Kings 4:1-37 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: We read in our weekly portion about good hospitality of Abraham and Sarah, as they hurried to prepare the best of the best for the three men of God who visited them in the heat of the day in Alon Mamre. This kind of extravagant hospitality is found in the Oriental nations, the Arabs, Bedouins and the Sephardic Jews.

Shabbat Lech Lecha – Go forth – Sabbat...

Genesis 12:1–17:27; Isaiah 40:27–41:16 Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: This week’s Torah portion introduces Abraham, the first patriarch. It is here the Lord called him to “Go forth… to the Land which I will show you!” It tells us this was a step of faith that even believers find difficult to take. He risks everything. Abraham, then called Abram, was obedient. Unlike believers today...