Vayeishev

When Is Vayeishev Read?

December 21, 2024 / 20 Kislev 5785

December 13, 2025 / 23 Kislev 5786

December 5, 2026 / 25 Kislev 5787

Summary

Jacob is shown to favor his son Joseph, whom the other brothers resent. Joseph has dreams of grandeur. (Genesis 37:1-11)
After Joseph's brothers had gone to tend the flocks in Shechem, Jacob sends Joseph to report on them. The brothers decide against murdering Joseph but instead sell him into slavery. After he is shown Joseph's coat of many colors, which had been dipped in the blood of a kid, Jacob is led to believe that Joseph has been killed by a beast. (Genesis 37:12-35)
Tamar successively marries two of Judah's sons, each of whom dies. Judah does not permit her levirate marriage to his youngest son. She deceives Judah into impregnating her. (Genesis 38:1-30)
God is with Joseph in Egypt until the wife of his master, Potiphar, accuses him of rape, whereupon Joseph is imprisoned. (Genesis 39:1-40:23)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayeishev Commentary

an image of four hands cupped with a plastic red heart in the middle

Caring for the Widow, the Stranger, and the Orphan

By: Rabbi Kari Tuling

In this week's Torah portion, Vayeishev, we learn about the imperative to care for the vulnerable in our midst (in this case, a widow). We also learn that it is not only appropriate but necessary for our ideas to evolve over time.