Vayigash

Often, the context we assign to experiences is really a projection of how we view ourselves.

We mourn myriad things, often without even being aware of it.

When we can look back at the events of our past and embrace them for being the perfect training ground for who we are today, then we can begin to be the authors of our own lives.

For 22 agonizing years, they had been separated, with Jacob fearing the worst. What will happen at their first meeting?

Nancy called my father, complaining that the school van never came to pick up her kids. It didn’t take long for my father to realize what I had done . . .

A series of drawings by Dutch artist Shoshannah Brombacher, based on the Biblical stories about Joseph, the son of the patriarch Jacob

My voice of insecurity whispered: perhaps if we were lower key he'd be less hostile? Is our Jewish pride fueling his anti-Semitism? On the other hand, why should I compromise my identity as a Jew to appease his racist rage?

But in the midst of the chaos and aggravation, there is a little phrase I hold on to that helps me keep my sanity.

This weekly study packet is part of theJewishwoman.org “Be a Leader” initiative. Print it out and learn it with your study group.