"For Instruction shall come forth from Zion, The word of the L-rd from Jerusalem." -- Isaiah 2:3

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Are you more of an "I'll dive right in and figure it out" person, or a "Show Me How This Thing Works" person?  If the former, go right ahead and try the excerpts browers on the right side of this page and/or scroll through the excerpts that start below the following information -- although we still suggest reading the information first.  If you are the latter, click here for a video demonstrating the Excerpts Browser. Either way (or both), enjoy! 

This page is recommended for searches limited to specific Torah books, weekly portions (parshiot), chapters, verses, and/or sources (authors). For keyword and/or for exact phrase (including verse and source) searches of the entire excerpts database, we recommend using the Search Engine page.  For broadest results, use both pages and alternative search strategies. 

This page displays the full text of all or "sorted" (filtered) excerpts in the database.  Use the "Torah Verses" and/or "Excerpt Sources" browsers at the right to locate the excerpts associated with your desired Torah book, portion, chapter. verse, or author.  Or, simply scroll through the excerpts, using the "boxes" at the bottom of any page displaying excerpts to "jump" ahead or back. 

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GENESIS — 40:6 distraught

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23), Source Book Keys, PLYN
Page(s): (See end of excerpt)
GEN1515 We should try to cheer people up when we see that they are despondent.   … When Yosef noticed that Pharaoh’s officials were dejected, he asked them the cause.   Yosef had good reason to keep to himself and concern himself only with his own welfare.  He had been sold into slavery by his brothers, and now he was in prison due to a false accusation.  Nevertheless, he cared about his fellow man, and when he saw someone with a problem he was eager to help.  The Chofetz Chayim writes that although it is usually commendable to speak as little as possible, it is a moral obligation to boost the spirits of someone who is dejected, by conversing with him at length. (Chovas Hashirah). PLYN 113-4

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GENESIS — 40:6 distraught

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23), Source Book Keys, TZADIK
Page(s): (See end of excerpt)
GEN1516 Worry is a trait which is evil in most of its manifestations, and it shows on one’s face, as it is written [this verse], and Nechemiah 2:2: Why is your face fallen if you are not sick?”   One of the Sages said: “I do not find a trace of worry at all in those men of exalted spirit.” Worry over attaining anything in this world is extremely reprehensible and is not found at all in those who trust in Hashem and believe in Him.  … The worst of all worries is pursuing transgressions and worrying and suffering in not attaining all his heart’s desires, for all who worry and grieve over this world are very far from Torah, mitzvos, and prayer.   Therefore, one must take great heed to correct this trait and remove it from himself.  TZADIK 219

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GENESIS — 40:23 think

Torah Book & Portion, Book of Genesis, Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23), Source Book Keys, TELVOL1
Page(s): (See end of excerpt)
GEN1520 Gratitude is rooted in remembrance.  Therefore we must make a conscious effort to recall how others have helped us; if we don’t do this, we will forget.  … Perhaps the [cup bearer] initially intended to help Joseph, but … because [he] did not actively cultivate a remembrance of the favor Joseph had done him he gradually forgot about him.  Ecclesiastes 9:14-5 also relates a story illustrating the cruelty of ingratitude: “There was a little city and few men in it, and to it came a great king, who surrounded it, and built mighty siege works against it.   Present in the city was a poor wise man who saved the city with his wisdom, but nobody remembered that poor man.   TELVOL1:97

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