2 December 2017 / 14 Kislev 5777

Vayishlach | וישלח | "He sent"
Genesis 32:3-36:43

Portion Summary:
The eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach (וישלח), which means “and he sent.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom” (Genesis 32:3 [verse 4 in Jewish-published Bibles]). Jacob prepares to meet Esau as he returns to the Promised Land, but first he has a mysterious encounter with an angel in the darkness, who changes his name to Israel. The portion follows Jacob’s adventures in the land of Canaan, including the loss of his beloved wife, Rachel.
By http://torahportions.org

Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:12,
Obadiah 1:1-21
B'rit Hadashah: John 1:19-2:12

9 December, 2017 / 21 Kislev 5777

Vayeshev | וישב | "He settled"
Genesis 37:1-40:23

Portion Summary:
The ninth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayeshev (וישב), which means “and he dwelt.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Now Jacob [dwelt] in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan” (Genesis 37:1). Despite the portion’s name and first verse, the story is actually about Jacob’s son Joseph and how he was removed from the land of Canaan and dwelt in Egypt. The narrative follows Joseph from Canaan to Egypt to prison. In addition, this week’s reading contains the story of Judah and Tamar.
By http://torahportions.org

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8
B'rit Hadashah: John 2:13-4:42

16 December, 2017 / 28 Kislev 5777

Miketz | מקץ | "From the end"
Genesis 41:1-44:17

Portion Summary:
The tenth reading from the book of Genesis is named Miketz (מקץ), which means “the end.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream” (Genesis 41:1). The portion begins with Pharaoh’s portentous dreams, Joseph’s interpretations and his subsequent rise to power over Egypt. When a famine strikes the land of Canaan, his brothers come to Egypt seeking grain, but they do not recognize Joseph, who engineers a means by which he can test their character.
By http://torahportions.org

Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
B'rit Hadashah: Luke 4:16-31

23 December, 2017 / 5 Tevet 5777

Vayigash | ויגש | "He approached"
Genesis 44:18-47:27

Portion Summary:
The eleventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayigash (ויגש), which means “and he came near.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then Judah [came near] him” (Genesis 44:18). The portion begins with the dramatic unveiling of Joseph’s true identity and his reconciliation with his brothers. It then proceeds to tell the story of the migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt and the rest of the famine years. This Torah portion begins to set the stage for the Egyptian captivity of the sons of Jacob.
By http://torahportions.org

Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28
B'rit Hadashah: John 5:1-47

30 December, 2017 / 12 Tevet 5777

Vayechi | ויחי | "He lived"
Genesis 47:28-50:26

Portion Summary:
The seventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayetze (ויצא), which means “and he went out.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “And Jacob went out from Beersheba” (Genesis 28:10 KJV). This portion tells the story of Jacob’s flight from his brother Esau, his vision at Bethel, his employment with his uncle Laban and his marriage to the two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Jacob’s double marriage results in a baby-bearing contest that gives him eleven sons. At the end of the portion, Jacob leaves Laban and returns to the land of Canaan, but not before Laban tries to stop him.
By http://torahportions.org

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12
B'rit Hadashah: Luke 4:31-5:11