The last reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi (ויחי), which means “and he lived.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years” (Genesis 47:28). In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his death by securing a double portion of inheritance for Joseph and then blessing each of his sons with prophetic blessings. The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob, followed shortly by the death of Joseph and a promise of redemption from Egypt.

Phase Zero ends Saturday at sunset and we enter the second book of The Torah.

What happens with a seed before it bursts forth? It swells. The seed is planted and moisture (water) surrounds it and permeates it and it begins to swell until the primary root emerges.

The last 9 months we have been coming together several times per week to practice yoga, meditation and other spiritual/metaphysical “maps” of the territory. Hopefully, you have experienced increased awareness through your participation. Complementing the awareness we strive to inject more equanimity. The “middle path” is attained when awareness and equanimity are in balance. Progression and growth occur when awareness and equanimity increase simultaneously.

Joseph represents the foundation in the Tree of Life; Yesod. We are ready to burst forth. The first three weeks may be a bit rocky but after the 21st of January we will be strongly in growth mode.

I look forward to The New Year and to transitioning from Phase Zero to Phase 1.

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.

We are nearing the end of the first “book” in The Torah: Genesis. Phase Zero is coming to an end at the end of this month and then we enter into the second book. The stage is set. What is this story all about?

This “Phase” we have been in since the end of October is the phase where the seed has been established. Now as we enter into the next phase I think it is time to adjust the Torah Reading inquiry a bit. Each week is looked at as a “window of opportunity” to connect to The Light in a particular way. It is only useful if you can apply it to your life.

This is an older video by Shaull but a very concise one that is good example of how it can apply to our lives.

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.

Joseph is in Egypt. He is the Viceroy to Pharaoh; the second most powerful man in the land. There is a famine and the Jewish people head to Egypt where Joseph has been storing food for 7 years. This is the beginning of the enslavement of the Jewish people in Egypt. After a few generations Moses will appear on the scene and lead the people out in search of The Promised Land.

Joseph meets his brothers 20 years after they sold him and told their father, Jacob, that he must be dead. What is going on in this section? Is Joseph a foreshadow of Jesus?

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.

The “story” over the next 3 weeks in The Torah is about Joseph and his time in Egypt.

Let, me STOP right here and tell you, again, why I am writing posts about The Torah. First, of all…..What is The Torah? The Torah is the first five books in the Bible. There is that number 5 again. The Torah is the story of Creation and “humanity’s role” in The Creation. It is presented here as a map. I was introduced to this map with a corresponding “key” of decoding and have been studying for over 12 years now.

Using the 3 wisdom levels of the Buddha….1.). I have become aware of The Torah. 2.). Have done some inquiry and have progressively widened and deepened what I understand. 3.). My direct personal experience of my awareness of The Torah has been a mix of Skepticism, Intrigue and Awe. I share what I know and I see regarding The Torah because I feel it to be relevant and potentially useful in our journey toward more expanded consciousness.

I recognize some of you may have little or no interest in The Torah or for anything associated with religion. I know some of you are attached to your current perspective on Scripture and anything religious. I am not an expert in the area. I am a student and a seeker of Truth. I think and I feel there is merit in at least looking at it. But, like anything we do in this group, if it is not for you then let it go and move on in your “pose.”

Back to The Torah. Egypt is code for EGO. The story is the story of the Israelites and their journey into captivity, their Exodus out of captivity and their search for “The Promised Land.”

That’s all for now…….

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.

So each weekly Torah portion is looked at as a “window of opportunity” from a Kabbalistic map viewpoint. An opportunity to connect to the energy accessible during this time of the year. The “story” is important but a deeper dive reveals insights and awarenesses that heretofore may be hidden.

I have a brother. We are not twins like Esau and Jacob but we are only 15 months apart in age. I happen to visiting with him this week. Is he Esau or Jacob? What role am I playing? Esau and Jacob seemed to have direct opposing perspectives when it came to their approach to the questions of Creation. The story talks about Jacob tricking Esau out of his ‘first born’ birthright. He really didn’t trick him….he traded it for a bowl of lentil soup. Nevertheless, Esau was not happy. Jacob spent 14 years working for his uncle Laben and married Leah and Rachel and had many children. Jacob’s children would become the leaders of the tribes of the Israelites.

I previewed several videos and you can find them on YouTube by searching, however, our favorite Rabbi provides a very interesting and appropriate for the times we are in synopsis, I think.