parsha bit: Vayeshev

Rabbi Shimon the Pious taught that when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Yosef, he was ready to go along with it. But at the last minute, he saw a vision of his father, who he knew would disapprove, and this gave him the strength he needed to resist sin and flee. (Sotah 36b)

I originally found a secondary source that was "based" on this but didn't sound quite right to me -- but it cited Sotah, so I was able to look it up and find what was really there versus the other source's interpretation.

In the talmudic discussion, someone suggests that it's even worse than this and that Yosef planned the rendezvous with Mrs. Potiphar, waiting for a day when all the men were away. (Where were they? Celebrating an idolatrous festival. Mrs. Potiphar begged off, thinking this was her chance to get Yosef.) You can find some unusual stuff by browsing talmud.

a few links

First the serious one (from unspace): a conscious woman on life support, who happened to be poor and non-white, was removed from a respirator against her will, which is legal in Texas due to a law that Bush signed. Where were the outraged statements from the White House and Congress this time?

Also from unspace: JMS is compiling books of his B5 scripts for sale. It appears that they'll have extra commentary and stuff. I didn't explore far enough to find prices, but I assume they're up there.

And now some lighter stuff:

Compiled religious wisdom from aliza250 (short) should appeal to the geeks reading this.

grouchyoldcoot's struggle with a Christmas tree made me laugh out loud for several minutes.

Jewish music: Ruach

Several years ago Transcontinental Music began publishing compilations of new Jewish music. There have been three so far -- 5761, 5763, and 5765. (That's how they name the CDs.) (This year is 5766, for those who are wondering.) I've bought each of them within a year or so of publication.

I still like the first one the best; I don't know if this is because there were more quality submissions for the very first one, or just because my tastes and theirs don't always match up. That said, there is no CD in this set that I regret having bought.

Following are some impressions from each CD. ( Read more... )