by Yael Turitz Kaplan, Class of 2027 The gemara in Sota 11b tells us: “In the merit of righteous women in that generation, the Jews were saved from Egypt.” And yet, when we begin the epic story of the exodus in Parshat Shemot with a list of names, women are absent from the list. What women is the gemara talking about? On what merit did they help bring the Jews out of slavery? In Masechet Sota, the gemara goes on to tell us about the women of Bnei Yisrael who persisted in havi

by Rabbanit Dalia Davis, Class of 2022 In fourth grade we learned Parshat Vayechi. My teacher had us memorize all of the blessings that Yaakov bestowed upon his children. At the time, I knew all of them by heart (as well as all the accompanying hand movements), but I didn’t notice any absences. Today, I no longer remember all of the words, but I do see one glaring omission: Where is Dinah? Before Yaakov dies, he summons his children: “And Jacob called his children/sons and sa

by Rabbi Tali Aronsky, Class of 2025 Parashat Vayigash opens with three simple words: “Vayigash elav Yehudah,”   “And Judah approached him” (Bereishit 44:18).   After chapters of tension, silence, guilt, and distance, Judah steps forward. Judah steps forward to confront the powerful Egyptian viceroy, not yet knowing that this ruler is his own brother Joseph. The stakes could not be higher: Benjamin’s freedom, his father’s life, and the future of the family itself. But the Tor

by Ilana Gimpelevich, Class of 2026 The end of last week’s parsha, Vayeshev, does not bode well for Yosef. What began as the bravado of an arrogant youth quickly unravels as he is brought low. His father rebukes him for his wild dreams; his brothers remove him from the picture by casting him into a pit; then, in Egypt, he finds himself thrust even further down, locked away in prison on false charges. By this point, Yosef’s confidence appears to be thoroughly crushed, his earl