How to Avoid Becoming Bitter

A Taste of Text—Vayeishev

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How to Avoid Becoming Bitter: A Taste of Text—Vayeishev

Anger and self-pity rob us of our serenity. Bitterness and victimization blind us from seeing another’s pain.

Handouts:	Vayeishev
Audio:	Listen to Audio \| Download this MP3
Topics:	Pain, Suffering & Tragedy, Joseph, Vayeishev

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By Chana Weisberg

Chana Weisberg is the editor of TheJewishWoman.org and host of the Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories podcast. She lectures internationally on issues relating to women, relationships, meaning, self-esteem and the Jewish soul. She is the author of six books. Her latest book, Shabbat Delights, is a two-volume series on the weekly Torah portion.

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8 Comments

Anonymous Hollywood December 8, 2014

relationship halacha Yosef married his niece? Osnat, DIna's (his sister's) daughter,
when did that become a non-permissible relationship? Reply

Leibel Elsternwick October 9, 2021

in response to Anonymous:

Marring a niece is permitted according to Jewish law Reply

Frank O'Neill Dublin July 17, 2014

Blessings Chana.....to you and yours. i watched and listened to your presentation and sharing of your group on the wound of bitterness and its bleeding....and it occured to me that without empathy we are just gonging in our own wilderness. Hurt requires Healing! .
Still........... its a very spiritual prayer/exercise to journey into self and to increase our awareness of our frailty and that of our neighbour.
L'chaim
L'chaim
l'chaim Reply

Anonymous November 17, 2013

Great talk! This is great. Thanks for sharing it :) Reply

Richard McCaw Ft.lauderdale, Fl. U.S.A. December 16, 2011

Did I hear you say that Joseph eventually married Potipher's daughter? Reply

annonymous ottawa, canada December 15, 2011

Self Pity I had a horrible, nightmarish summer. I'd describe it in technicolor detail, but I'm sure I'd come off as bitter and full of self pity. During this time I couldn't help but notice all the beautiful and sweet things that came my way every single day and I can't tell you how much joy and solace they brought me. With the help of these things I found the strength to pull myself out of that nightmare. Now that I'm living in a brand new situation, again the temptation to self pity beckons, and again, I won' give in. These circumstances really are growth opportunities and growth opportunities are usually painful, at leas until they have been recognized and grappled with.

I have always reached out to people in spite of my own pain, but never made viceroy of Egypt. LOL! Actually, that can be pretty thankless, but every once in awhile, when you make someone smile, it's all worth it. Reply

Joseph A. Cleary Sand Springs,, Oklahoma December 11, 2011

Bitterness in every day life. Dear Chana:
As I've observed all too often a few not many who are bitter about their role in life; in one I know who see's it as Oh Poor Pitiful Me why is my life this way. He like so many others see's the problem as it were some one else's fault they never see them selves as the reason for the mess that they are in.
All too often they can't take the responsibility for their own actions, it's more of this that causes them to bitter with the world; plus the fact that they have no real tangible faith in Ha Shem.
I've seen Rabbi's who were truly poor and or they've lost a loved one; yet in all of that they aren't bitter because of their faith in Ha Shem.
Shalom, Shalom, Yosef Reply

sandro Richmond, BC December 11, 2011

Shlomoh I believe Shlomoh was bitter towards the end of his life as he realized his mistakes Reply

A Taste of Text

Each 20-minute video class uses a text from the weekly Torah portion to convey a contemporary insight on leading a more enriched life. Source sheets are included to help students follow along and gain a "taste" of the actual texts studied.

How to Avoid Becoming Bitter: A Taste of Text—Vayeishev

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