יום שישי, ח׳ אלול תשפ״וFriday, August 21, 2026
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The first requirement is a king must admit when he is wrong.
Because we see these events as world changing, as moments in history, they become part of us forever.
Rabbi Fohrman explores the question of how God communicates with us today.
What did Yehudah say that was so effective that it convinced Yosef to make himself known?
This ability to remain calm under pressure and continue to see the situation clearly is a hallmark of Yehuda’s leadership.
By Joseph Cox
Yosef proves he is a true leader; He is continually and fully engaged in the task of running Egypt
Though we Jews have deep obligations to all people our obligation to our fellow Jew is unique.
Exploring the connection between Pharaoh's dreams and the story of Joseph being sold into slavery.
Our right to exist and our form of self-government were decided by the ruling parties.
It is clear that Tosafos maintains that only someone who lives in a house must light Chanukah candles.
If Chanukah was simply a commemoration of the miracle of the oil and Menorah, we would be hard pressed to see the connection between the reading from Parshas Nesiim and Chanukah.
Yehuda knew if the moment isn't right or men are unwilling to listen a skilled leader bides his time
This is a recurring theme in this week’s parsha, in which there are many mistakes made based on perception.
"A person should sell even the beams of his own house in order to buy shoes."
If Hashem is watching tzaddikim, why couldn’t He just save Yosef from all the suffering he was about to endure?
Jacob was well aware that the brothers hated Joseph, yet he sent him to them anyway.
But how could there have been any validity to Yosef’s allegations?
Using Joseph's story to understand what non-prophetic communication with God could look like today
The dreams revealed their differences: The butler was active; the baker completely passive.
Yehudah, more suited to the role, became leader and not Yosef- the very public candidate for the job
By Joseph Cox
Yosef is the perfect leader for a people entering exile because he understands their basic needs
If a man owns a successful small business, he might do a million dollars a year in sales. But that is the gross revenue, not the amount he takes home.
He knew that the way to potentially mollify Esau was to insist that he accept his gift, which he finally did.
If one converts for the sole purpose of marrying a Jew the conversion is invalid.
By Joseph Cox
Yaacov returning to Yithak reconnects him with his past, reconnecting him to the legacy of Avraham.
It is difficult to remain faithful in galut, the ultimate Rorschach test for all Jewish generations
Benno Yaakov, the German Jewish commentator, posits Yaakov's limping caused Eisav's change of heart.
Rabbi Fohrman addresses "What is in a name?"
Yaakov encountering Esav is the classic source in dealing with anti-Semites littering our history
By the time Yaakov becomes Yisrael, however, his worldview has changed dramatically.
A person who truly feels that everything is a blessing from G-d will count his blessings and realize just how much he has.
By Joseph Cox
Yaacov returns the stolen blessing of material wealth and physical might to Esav
The Jew, from the perspective of the name Yaakov, is dependent on the non-Jewish world. This can be seen today in the relationship between the State of Israel and the United States
Rashi in Shabbos 9b writes that the reason why the tefillah of Ma’ariv is a reshus is because it was instituted corresponding to the burning of the eimurim from the korbanos – which was performed at night.
It almost sounds as if Hashem is saying, “I have to keep Yaakov from getting too comfortable; otherwise he will forget Me. I can’t promise him sustenance because then he won’t need Me. He won’t write. He won’t call. He won’t love Me anymore.”
Jacob cries, overcome by the knowledge that his great love for Rachel will end in unbearable pain.
There's a perfect mirror between Jacob running away from Esav to when he reunites with his brother.
Yitzhak called you Esav and you answered him, then he called you Yaakov and you also answered him!”
Yitzchak thought the Jewish people needed dual leadership: Eisav the physical; Yaakov the spiritual
By Rachel Weiss
According to the Sefer Yetzirah, the nature of the month of Kislev is sleep.
Not every child can live up to our hopes or expectations, but every child is loved by Hashem.
Leaders must always pay attention to the importance of timing.
By Joseph Cox
While our leaders have been shepherds, the vast majority of the Children of Israel were farmers.
Ramban interprets Korban as self-sacrifice, each Jew should attempt to recreate Akeidas Yitzchak.
Why does Lavan’s speaking before his father show that he was wicked? Disrespectful, yes. Rude, certainly. But a rasha?
We find that in certain circumstances before the Torah was actually given, people were permitted to make calculations as to what would better serve Hashem, even if it were against a mitzvah or aveirah.
Looking at examples of the word "toldot" to argue we produce not only children but vision and legacy
A sense of innovation or assertion in Yitzchak’s life is found in one area – spirituality.
We must understand the power and impact of our actions.
If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going to be unhappy.
The implication of the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 233:2) is that one may not daven Minchah before six and one half hours into the day.
Perhaps deep down Eliezer did hesitate. In his heart of hearts, he may not have wanted to succeed.
This complementary nature and unified destiny is the basis of the Covenantal Community.
What happened was that Frank Jr. stopped being the little babe looking with love into his father’s eyes, and the relationship took on a very different nature.
By Joseph Cox
This week's parsha is the archetype of our connection to G-d in a world where His presence is hidden
Racheli Frankel: "I didn’t think they were thrown just anywhere. The tears of Hebron embraced them”
What is the surprising connection between Eliezer and Samuel? Find out with Rabbi David Fohrman
Defenders of “The Shidduch System” cite that Yitzchak loved Rivka after they got married, not before
Avraham was asked to nullify his identity, by fulfilling the opposite of what he believed right.
Is it possible a man could be standing in a burning building, knowing this life is in danger, and be too lazy to move?
If I appoint someone as Shatz, he is supposed to pray for me, as if I was praying.
Some Rishonim are bothered by the opinion of the Rambam that bnei Noach are commanded not to eat basar min hachai.
The story of Vayeira is a basis for our slavery and ultimate exodus from Egypt.
To be fully saved means not only to come out physically unscathed but emotionally healthy as well.
Yishmael could claim to be a victim; he only prevails when he subordinates himself to Yitzchak.
People love their GPS; just type in the address and it tells you exactly how to get to where you want to go.
Bris Bein Habesarim affirmed that Hashem gave the land to Avraham’s children. It does not specify for how long. It did not guarantee the Jewish people eternal ownership of the land
According to the Raavad if one who is uncircumcised breaks something he will be exempt from paying for it since he was chayav kares at the same time as he was obligated to repay for the item he broke.
Having herself been victimized by Pharoah, Sarah should have been more sensitive to Hagar.
Avram’s father was not impressed with the cleverness of his son. In fact, he was so unimpressed that he took him to Nimrod the king, who pronounced him an enemy of the state and attempted to execute him.
How do the stories in Lech Lecha help us understand the central tension of Abraham's life, legacy?
Abraham did not govern society but instead was the representative of God’s kingdom on earth.
Hagar grossly miscalculated her own merits and demonstrated a serious lack of gratitude for Sarai.
Noach was the lonely man of faith living in a depraved world, full of wickedness.
Avraham became a great man during the 175 years of his life, while his predecessors became increasingly wicked, despite staggering knowledge, during their lifetimes of hundreds of years.
Shem realized that he owed his existence to his father who brought him into the world.
By Joseph Cox
The flood was not sent to destroy, but to restore the positive potential of the world.
Strict din demands perfection. There is no room for shortcomings and no place for excuses; you are responsible.
Noah and his wife could not fathom living together as husband and wife and continuing the human race
Our intentions are critical in raising children because they mimic everything we parents do & think
By Joseph Cox
The creation of the world is described twice. Each description serves a unique purpose.
I, the one who is housed inside this body, am completely and utterly spiritual.
If one hurts another human being, God is hurt; if one brings joy to another, God is more joyous.
Bereshit: Life includes hard choices that challenge our decisions, leaving lingering complications.
Rabbi Fohrman:" Great evils are often wrought by those who are blithely unaware of the power they wield."
Hashem created all human beings and it should sadden us when Hashem, their Father, does not see nachas from them.
When Hashem formed man, He gave him the keys to Creation. As the Midrash tells us, Hashem said to Adam, “This is your world now. You are in charge of it; take care that you don’t destroy it.”
Realizing that his death was immanent and he had only a few more moments, Moshe focuses on doing the most important thing: he runs to Bnei Yisrael and blesses them.
The Sukka: Even if you find it difficult to come to the synagogue, the synagogue will come to you.
The Shagas Aryeh leaves the matter somewhat unresolved, and posits that on the first night one is only obligated in simchah m’d’Rabanan.
The Jewish world today is a critical part of the timeline in Jewish history.
Often in life we become stuck – stuck in the morass of our habits and the rote of our comfort level.
There is one day of the year on which the Satan has no power: Yom Kippur.
What right do I, sinner, have to approach Hashem and request forgiveness?
Imagine a man who, after having a few too many drinks, gets into his car and begins driving. It takes a while before he is pulled over, but finally the police arrest him, and he stands trial for driving while intoxicated.
Others suggest that one cannot separate Shabbos from Yom Kippur by accepting Shabbos early.
Ba’al Shem Tov: “Hashem, too, is crying; as much as He is looking for us, we rarely look for Him.”
On Rosh Hashanah we are taught that true self-analysis involves the breaking down of walls
When we hear the words "Rosh Hashana is coming" it really means Hashem Himself is coming!
August 21, 2026 
