EVAN WOLKENSTEIN

Embark on a transformative journey through the timeless narrative of Yosef in our 4 part class, “Bound by Promise: The Yosef Saga.” Starting at the end, we unravel the profound moment when estranged brothers reunite, and later, a prophecy is revealed, manifesting both the fulfillment of — and the catastrophic divergence from — a generations-old covenant. 

Guided by insights into psychology and Family Systems, we return a generation earlier, dissecting the intricacies of familial dynamics, and uncovering the motives behind each character's choices. We delve into the transformative power of dreams and the complex interplay of power dynamics among siblings. We will consider the allure (and the trap) of the perfect story and we will confront the necessity of life's unpredictable twists, or vicissitudes,  borrowing from Aviva Zornberg's excellent “The Beginning of Desire: Reflections on Genesis.” 

This series explores perceptions of truth and resilience in the face of shattered expectations, and uncovers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of family, self, and the complexities of  human experience: a world both bound unbound by promises.