MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

Dec 22nd 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Genesis 47:27-50 In the Bible, Ephraim and Menasseh are the only two brothers who got along.  This marks a turning point for the Israelites.  After sibling rivalries of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his many brothers, Ephraim and Menasseh represent that brothers can get along peaceably.  This may also be a reason ... continue reading »

Dec 15th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Genesis 44:18-47:27 In the midst of global famine, Joseph serves in a position of power and is able to offer relief to his family. Genesis 47:12-13 “Joseph sustained his father, and his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, down to the little ones.  Now there was no bread in all the ... continue reading »

Dec 8th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Genesis 41-44:17 Joseph’s skill as a dream interpreter saves his life when he is in jail.  Later, his ability to read dreams wins him favor in the Pharaoh’s eyes. Genesis 41:1-4 “After two years’ time, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, when out of the Nile there came up seven ... continue reading »

Dec 1st 2010

by MAZON

The Text: The story of Joseph is the longest single narrative in the Bible.  In a shocking story of betrayal and apathy, Joseph’s brothers throw him into an empty water pit, where he is sure to die.  The text then describes that after stripping Joseph of his tunic, and casting him into the pit: Genesis ... continue reading »

Nov 24th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Genesis 32:3-36 Jacob has not yet reconciled with his brother Esau.  In this parsha, Jacob is chosen by God and is renamed “Israel,” or one who struggles with God. 32:25 “Jacob was left alone.  And a figure wrestled with him until the break of dawn.  When he saw that he had not prevailed ... continue reading »

Nov 17th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Genesis 28:10-32:3 Jacob leaves his family, receiving his father’s birthright blessing (after conspiring with his mother).  Esau is angry that he was tricked and Jacob fears for his life. Genesis 28:16 “Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, ‘surely YHVH is present in this place, and I did not know it!” The Context: ... continue reading »

Nov 10th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Gen 27: 1-4 it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said to him, My son; and he said to him, Behold, here am I.  And he said, Behold now, I am old, I ... continue reading »

Nov 3rd 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Gen. 24:15-20 it came to pass, before he had finished speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her water jar upon her shoulder. And the girl was very pretty to look upon, a virgin, and no man had known ... continue reading »

Oct 27th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Gen. 21:8 the child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. The Context: Abraham attempts to save the cities of Sodom and Gemorrah by finding righteous people within them but is unable to do so, and these cities are destroyed.  After years of ... continue reading »

Oct 20th 2010

by MAZON

The Text: Gen 18:3-8 . And said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, pass not away, I beseech you, from your servant; Let a little water, I beseech you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and ... continue reading »