Portion Summaries The fourth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayera. It means “and he appeared” because the first story describes how the LORD appeared to Abraham one day as he sat outside his tent. Vayera continues with the series of tests of faith for Abraham, concluding in one great and final trial.
Portion Summaries The fifth reading from the book of Genesis is named Chayei Sarah. It means “Sarah lived” because the narrative begins with these words: “Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years” (Genesis 23:1). This portion of the Torah is filled with romance and sorrow. It tells the story of how Abraham mourned his […]
Portion Summaries The sixth reading from the book of Genesis is named Toldot, which means “generations.” It is so named because the Torah portion begins with the words “Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac” (Genesis 25:19). Toldot tells us the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau and their struggle […]
Portion Summaries The seventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayetze, which means “and he went out.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “And Jacob went out from Beersheba” (Genesis 28:10 KJV). This portion tells the story of Jacob’s flight from his brother Esau, his vision at […]
Portion Summaries The eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach, which means “and he sent.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom” (Genesis 32:3). Jacob prepares to meet […]
Portion Summaries The ninth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayeshev, which means “and he dwelt.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Now Jacob in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 37:1). Despite the portion’s name and first verse, the […]
Portion Summaries The tenth reading from the book of Genesis is named Miketz, which means “at the end.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream” (Genesis 41:1). The portion begins with Pharaoh’s portentous dreams, Joseph’s […]
Portion Summaries The eleventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayigash, which means “and he came near.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then Judah him” (Genesis 44:18). The portion begins with the dramatic unveiling of Joseph’s true identity and his reconciliation with his brothers. It then […]
Portion Summaries The last reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi, which means “and he lived.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years” (Genesis 47:28). In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his death by securing a double portion […]
Shemot is both the title for the second book from the scroll of the Torah and the title of the first Torah portion therein. Shemot means “names.” The English-speaking world calls this book Exodus. The Hebrew title for the book comes from the opening phrase of the book: “Now these are the names of the sons of […]
The second reading from the book of Exodus and fourteenth reading from the Torah is named Va’era, which means “and I appeared.” The title comes from the first words of the second verse of the reading, which says, “And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty” (Exodus 6:3). The portion begins with […]