Archive for December, 2024
Make the Routine Special
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024We usually overlook the things that are done routinely. The truth is that is what is most important. The routine should be viewed as special. Without the routine we could not live a normal life. Share on Facebook
Leadership Issues
Monday, December 30th, 2024We see that Judah becomes the leader of the family, not Joseph. This is why the royal line of David is through Judah. Joseph was the leader of Egypt, but as we know that did not last long. Share on Facebook
Stand Up For Your Rights
Sunday, December 29th, 2024When Joseph decrees that Benjamin to remain in Egypt as a slave, Judah challenges his decree. This was a major event. But it shows that we have to stand for our rights, no one else will if we don’t. Share on Facebook
Make The Miracle Known
Friday, December 27th, 2024The commandment to light the Hanukah candles is very strong. We have to make sure that our Hanukkiah are visible to all. The reason is that we have to acknowledge the miracle. To show gratitude to God for His help. Share on Facebook
The True Meaning of Hanukah
Thursday, December 26th, 2024On Hanukah we celebrate the victory of the morality of the Torah over Greek philosophical thought. Share on Facebook
Be Steadfast in Who You Are
Wednesday, December 25th, 2024One of the things that we notice is that Joseph remained steadfast in his faith, no matter what the situation that he found himself in. From being a slave to being 2nd to Pharaoh, he remained a Jew. Share on Facebook
We Are Responsible For Our Actions
Tuesday, December 24th, 2024When faced with the accusations that they were spies by the prime minister of Egypt, they began to accuse Judah of selling Joseph. The problem was that they were willing participants. We have to realize that we are still responsible for our actions. Share on Facebook
God’s Hand In Our Lives
Monday, December 23rd, 2024Pharaoh’s dreams tell Joseph that God is in charge. The language used to describe the 7 beautiful cows, and the 7 lean cows is the same as when the Torah describes Rachel and Leah. That tells Joseph that the dreams are from God. Share on Facebook
Give Honor When Honor Is Due
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024Pharaoh discovers Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams due to the advice of his cup bearer. But the way that he mentions Joseph is not complimentary. This is to show that someone who does the right thing should be honored for his action, even though he might not be good himself. Share on Facebook
Our Fate Is Not In the Stars
Friday, December 20th, 2024In Joseph’s dreams he shows that he is different from his family. The first one has to do with farming while the family business is being shepherds. The second he is surrounded by the sun, moon and stars. But the family did not put their faith in these things. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then