Michael Franco

Parashat Shemot Part 2

Parashat Shemot Part 1

Vayhi Speech

Turning failure into success.

Parashat Vayyiggash: Reconciliation and Growth

In this week's podcast, we delve into the details of the masterful speech of Judah, the superlative qualities of Joseph, and the historical significance of our narrative.

Parashat Miqqes

Parashat Vayesheb: The Character Development of Joseph and Judah

In this week's class, we notice the dichotomy between the characters of Joseph and Judah, the brothers whose progeny will go on to form the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. We analyze the beginnings of each character's growth and the ramifications of deception from previous Parshiyyot.

Parashat Vayishlah -- Jacob's Monumental Character Growth

In this week's class, we point out the most important experience in Jacob's life and we provide a novel interpretation of his vision fighting the angel. We also explore what it really means to merit the name, "Israel."

Parashat Vayese: A Formative Experience for Jacob

In this week's class, we explore the trials and tribulations through which Ya'aqob needed to navigate in order to merit his eventual name, Yisrael. We discuss the "measure for measure" nature of many details of the story and explain how these experiences were important in forming Ya'aqob into the man he was called upon to become. 

Parshat Toledot

In this week's class, we delve into the interesting motifs and polemics that have continued to appear throughout the Torah, thus far, such as reversal of primogeniture and predetermination. We also analyze the inner workings of human psychology and how they play into our narrative.

Michael Franco Brooklyn College Salutatorian Address 2017

SCA Tisha BeAb 2018 Michael Franco

Parashat Vayera: Arguing with the Almighty: October 23

Parashat Lekh Lekha: Using Tradition to Guide Progress: October 17

Between Samuel and Exodus: A Deeper Look

Between Samuel and Exodus: A Deeper Look Every time I read Sefer Shemuel, I come back to the same old questions: What was so bad about Saul’s decision to bring the sacrifice prior to the arrival of Samuel? Why did this warrant such a harsh punishment as the loss of the kingship? What is it about David that made him more deserving of the kingship than Saul? After all, David’s sins seem just as, if not more egregious than those of Saul. After watching a great video from Alephbeta.com that ...