TWO KINDS OF STRENGTH This week, two extraordinarily significant events unfolded, each in its own way reflecting the contrasting nature of power and authority. On one hand, we saw the inauguration of Donald Trump, as he assumed the presidency with pomp and flamboyance. On the other hand, was the emotional cliffhanger of the release of three Israeli hostages, Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher, achieved by an agreement that was marked by the extortionate demands of Hamas. The contrast between these events is striking – not only in the sheer scale of power they represent but also in how...

A DEAL If ever we needed a reminder that the messages of the Torah are timeless, we have it today. As I write, we have just heard the hopeful news that 33 of the most vulnerable hostages will soon be released from Gaza, beginning this Sunday as part of the first phase of a three-phase deal. What better introduction could there be to this Shabbat’s reading of Shemot, otherwise known as Sefer HaGeula — the Book of Redemption? The opening chapters of Shemot describe the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt. What began as voluntary participation in Egypt’s building programme...

JOSEPH AND TIKTOK In the Talmud (Berachot 20a), we find the fascinating statement: “The descendants of Joseph are not subject to the Evil Eye.” This is quoted by Rashi in explaining the blessing given to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Menashe in this week’s parasha. Is the concept Ayin HaRa, or the Evil Eye still relevant today? Many people, despite their sophistication, still turn to amulets or red cords to ward off the Evil Eye. But what is the “Evil Eye,” and how can we really protect ourselves from it? The late Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, one of the most influential...

SEEING THE LIGHT There is a remarkable law quoted in the Talmud (Shabbat 23a) and codified in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 767:3) Someone sees a Chanuka light. They know they are not going to be able to light a Menora themselves that night, and no-one else is going to do it on their behalf. (E.g., they are travelling.) Nevertheless, they should make the following blessing on simply seeing the Chanuka lights: “Blessed are You HaShem…She’asa Nisim La’avotenu, Bayamim Hahem Bazman Hazah – Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time.” Normally, a person kindling the...

PLAN B Our parasha this week begins with the words, Veyeishev Yaakov Be’eretz Megurei Aviv, “Jacob settled in the land where his father had lived as a stranger” (Bereishit 37:1) The word Vayeishev “he settled” has the connotation of wanting to create a permanent home. As Rashi explains, Jacob thought he could now live in peace. He had resolved the conflict with his brother, Esau. He had raised 12 sons. Unlike his father who ‘lived as a stranger’ in the land, which implies a lack of rootedness, Jacob thought he was entitled to live as a proper resident. But why?...