Sefer Bereshit

This week in Parashat Vayechi, we explore the power of speech, restraint, and teshuvah. Learn how Yaakov Avinu and the tzaddikim used their words wisely, the importance of unity, and how chesed shapes the world.

This week, Parashat Vayigash meets the fast of Asarah B’Tevet. Discover Yosef’s lessons on emunah, surviving exile, and preparing for new beginnings in the face of darkness and challenge

Good morning and Happy Chanukah! I hope you can take a moment before Shabbos to reflect on this week’s insights. Honoring My Father: A Zechus for Torah and Education This Rosh Chodesh marks the 23rd yahrtzeit of my dear father, Rav Zushe ben Harav Yechiel זצ״ל. May his neshama have an aliyah. He rebuilt Torah life after the war, establishing yeshivas in England and Morocco, and saved Moroccan Jewry from assimilation. His love for Torah, warmth, and enthusiasm touched everyone

We are approaching a very special Shabbos of hachana—preparation of the heart. Yosef HaTzaddik, the foundation of the world, shows us emunah even in the darkest times. The Greeks pursued beauty without holiness, but Chanukah teaches us to spread light through emunah, Torah, and heartfelt devotion.

Why is Vayishlach called the parashah of exile if Yaakov’s exile was in Charan? Because the true test can happen even in Eretz Yisrael—when you’re home, yet don’t feel at home. Yaakov’s confrontation with Esav, his struggle in the dark, and the message of oil that won’t mix become a timeless guide: humility, detailed tefillah, and readiness to fight for kedushah—especially when the world pressures us to become “like them.”

In Parshas Vayeitzei, Yaakov Avinu encounters stones, dreams, wells, angels, and exile—each filled with deep meaning. His journey reveals how prayer, Torah, unity, and Rachel Imeinu’s compassion guide us through hardship and help us build lasting spiritual legacy.

Parshas Chayei Sarah is a parsha of rising light — where the passing of Sarah Imeinu is met with the birth of Rivka, the return of miracles, and the beginning of Yitzchak’s new future. From Chevron’s message of eternal connection to Eliezer’s heartfelt tefillah and stories of hashgacha pratis, this Dvar Torah explores life, legacy, shidduchim, and the quiet ways Hashem guides every step.

In Parashat Toldot we explore how a single heartfelt tefillah can overturn fate, why gratitude is the foundation of prayer, and what Yaakov and Esav teach about long-term vision vs. instant gratification. A hopeful message for this chodesh — chodesh tov.

Avraham Avinu teaches that even after destruction, we must begin each morning with faith and prayer. When he saw Sodom destroyed, he responded with Shacharit, showing that renewal comes through connection to Hashem. From the ruins of Sodom came Ruth and the roots of redemption — reminding us that from the darkest moments, the greatest light can emerge.

Explore Parashat Lech Lecha: faith, emunah, and the timeless lessons of Avraham Avinu for facing challenges and building spiritual strength.

In Parashat Noach, we revisit the story of a world that fell apart — and the quiet strength that rebuilt it. As the month of Cheshvan begins, we reflect on what it means to stay inspired when the noise fades, to find purpose in routine, and to rebuild our world with unity, kindness, and faith. Through Noach’s Teivah, the lessons of Mar-Cheshvan, and a powerful modern story of hashgacha pratit, we are reminded that even in stillness, Hashem whispers to us to keep creating ligh

Explore the connection between Parashat Bereshit and the recent hostage release through powerful Torah insights. Discover how faith (emunah) and miracles reveal Hashem’s guiding hand in our times.

In this heartwarming message inspired by Parashat Bereshit and a family simcha, we explore the Torah's lessons on creation, the luminaries, and our purpose in a world of challenge. Through nature, struggle, and spiritual growth, Hashem guides us toward light.

Parashat Bereshit teaches that true beginnings spark lasting growth. Just as a wedding needs a bride, our Tishrei inspiration must lead to daily connection with Hashem. We were created for purpose, for Torah, and for renewal—each day, each moment, with clarity and hope.

Parshat Chayei Sarah opens with the legacy of Sarah Imeinu and unfolds into powerful messages about emunah, tefillah, and the journey to finding one’s zivug. From Eliezer’s heartfelt prayer to Yitzchak’s Mincha at twilight, we discover timeless lessons about trust in Hashem, sincerity, and the transformative power of truth in relationships.

Explore Parashat Chayei Sarah for timeless lessons on living a fulfilling life. From Sarah's perfect journey to Avraham's unwavering faith, discover how to embrace challenges with joy and truth. Learn the power of self-improvement through Torah and be inspired by miraculous shidduch stories, reminding us that with faith, all is from Above.

Parshat Lech Lecha reveals Avraham Avinu's profound Emuna. His actions, not titles, define him. Standing alone as "Avraham HaIvri," his challenges were a blueprint for us. Each test, like leaving everything, was a divine opportunity for growth and emunah. His unwavering trust, even in adversity, gives us strength. We carry his resilience; walk with Emuna, and Hashem walks with you.

As the final lights of Zot Chanukah flicker, Parashat Miketz reminds us that every descent is for a greater ascent. From Yosef’s rise from the pit to the palace, to modern acts of compassion and hidden miracles, this message inspires us to uncover the light within ourselves and others—and trust that Hashem is guiding every twist and turn of our journey.

On Zot Chanukah and Parashat Miketz, we explore the power of light, humility, and vision—how Yosef’s emunah brought geulah, and how Chanukah calls us to ask for miracles with full hearts. Dedicated to Mrs. Fishler, a woman of quiet light.

As we add light each night of Chanukah, we are reminded of our mission to grow daily in emunah, kindness, and spiritual clarity. Just like Yosef HaTzaddik rose from darkness to greatness, so too the Maccabees lit up the world through faith and sacrifice. In this week’s message, Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz shares how Chanukah and Parashat Miketz teach us to see beyond the external and kindle the inner flame of kedushah that transforms our world.