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This portion tells of a visit from Moses’s father-in-law, the eponymous Jethro, and of the Revelation at Sinai. It marks a turning point in the narrative, as from this point forward, more of the text is spent on expounding the law than telling the story.
This week’s portion tells of The Children of Israel’s early adventures in the desert, before receiving God’s law at Mount Sinai. Pharaoh once more changes his mind about the Hebrews leaving, and sends his army out after them. God splits the sea, allowing the Israelites safe passage and drowning Pharaoh’s forces. All is not smooth, however, and the Israelites challenge God several times as they encounter strife along the way.
The portion of Bo is packed with both action and laws. We learn of the last three plagues suffered by the Egyptians, as well as the eponymous Exodus itself. In addition, we are given the laws of Passover, both as they were observed that first time and as they are meant to be kept for future generations. The portion ends with other commandments given to preserve the memory of this destiny-shaping event throughout the year.
In this week’s portion, God reassures Moses that, despite the seemingly bleak outlook, all is going according to His plan. He then sends Moses back to Pharaoh to repeat His demands. The portion also outlines Moses’s genealogy and relates the account of the first seven plagues.
The portion of Shemot tells us of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt, and sets the stage for their redemption over the three following portions. It recounts how Jacob’s small family grew into a mighty nation and how the Egyptians came to oppress them. It also relates Moses’s development from birth to leadership.
In the portion of Vayechi, the final portion of the book of Genesis, we read of Jacob’s blessings to his sons and grandsons on his deathbed, and his final passing and burial. The book concludes with Joseph’s final days, as well, and his death and embalming in Egypt.
The portion of Vayigash sees Joseph revealing his true identity to his brothers, inviting his father and the rest of their family to join him in Egypt. Jacob brings his family to Joseph, and Joseph cares for them for the remainder of his life. The portion also includes details of Joseph’s work as viceroy which were not included in last week’s portion.
The portion of Mikeitz continues the story of Joseph in Egypt. Joseph successfully interprets Pharaoh’s dream and is made viceroy over all of Egypt. He successfully steers the country through both abundance and famine, so that it becomes the destination for hungry families from nearby countries seeking food for purchase. Among the buyers are Joseph’s own brothers, who fail to recognize him when they face him. He accuses them of spying, taking Simeon hostage in exchange for proof of their defense: their youngest brother, Benjamin. At first reluctant to send him, Jacob eventually relents, but things take a turn for the worse when Joseph plants a silver cup in his pack and accuses him of stealing it.
This action-packed portion tells the story of Joseph’s sale and early years in Egypt, before his rise to fame and fortune. Joseph’s dreams and the attention he garners from his father prompt his brothers’ jealousy, and they set out to destroy him. Initially throwing him in a pit, they fish him out, sell him to traders heading towards Egypt, and trick their father into believing Joseph had been killed. Joseph rises to prominence in his master’s household until his spurned mistress gets him jailed. There, he interprets dreams for two other prisoners. Meanwhile, back in Canaan, we read of Judah’s marriage, and the efforts he makes to find a match for his children.
In the portion of Vayishlach, Jacob prepares to face his brother after many years apart, cognizant of Esau’s vow to destroy him one day. He readies his camp and prays, sending also gifts to appease his brother. Before the encounter, Jacob struggles with an angel who blesses him and gives him a new name. When Jacob finally meets up with Esau, the reunion is more positive than he had hoped.
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The Israel Bible will succeed in helping readers of Tanakh better understand its geographical context and better perceive some of its contemporary resonances.
Assistant Professor of Jewish Philosophy and Bible, Yeshiva University
When you open The Israel Bible and see… lessons about Israel, you see that Israel is the Torah’s main theme and begin to understand the major role that it plays.
Member of The Knesset,
Israel’s Parliament
Jews and Christians share a biblical heritage, and The Israel Bible shows even more clearly that this is the land God chose for the Jewish people.
Founder, Biblical Foundations Academy International
Full text of the Hebrew Scriptures in English and Hebrew with select transliterated verses
Unique Israel focused commentary on every chapter
Proper Hebrew pronunciation of key biblical names and places
The Israel Bible comes with a Hebrew alphabet chart, and additional learning sheets
