Vayishlach 5783-2022
“We Can Forgive the Arabs for Killing Our Children...”
(updated and revised from Vayishlach 5763-2002)
As we delve deeper into the study of Torah, we often find that seemingly insignificant verses in the Torah contain revolutionary insights about life. In 1972, Golda Meir made a widely acclaimed statement: “We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children, but we cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children.” Who would ever imagine that our commentaries find the possible original source of this message in parashat Vayishlach?
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Vayeitzei 5783-2022
“The Transformation of Jacob”
(updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5763-2002)
At first glance, Jacob appears to be a congenital deceiver. He takes the birthright from his brother then steals Esau's blessing. Even Jacob’s father, Isaac describes the taking of the blessing by Jacob as an act of deception. Jacob however undergoes a transformation in which he realizes that evil cannot be deceived but must be confronted directly. For this reason, Jacob is to be regarded as a particularly exalted figure, for teaching humankind how one is to deal with one's own shortcomings.
0 Comments18 Minutes
Toledot 5782-2021
“The Deception of Isaac”
(updated and revised from Toledot 5762-2001)
How is it possible that the great patriarch Isaac wished to give the blessing to his son Esau rather than to the more deserving Jacob? A possible approach to this quandary may be found in the suggestion that Isaac never intended to give the Abrahamitic blessing of inheriting the land of Canaan to Esau. What he merely wished to promise Esau was wealth, success in the field and dominion over his brothers. Rebecca, however, was unaware of Isaac's true intentions. Unfortunately, Rebecca is unable to approach Isaac directly, resorting to a questionable strategy to make certain that Esau does not receive the blessings of Jewish destiny.
0 Comments11 Minutes
Vayishlach 5780-2019
“The Massacre of Shechem, Can it be Justified?”
(Updated and revised from Vayishlach 5760-1999)
The rabbis are challenged deeply by the rape of Dina and the subsequent massacre of the men of Shechem by Simeon and Levi. They try valiantly to explain why Dinah was fated to suffer so horribly. They also debate whether the actions of Simeon and Levi can in any way be justified.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Toledot 5780-2019
“A Lesson from Jacob and Esau: Understanding and Accepting Differences”
(Updated and revised from Toledot 5760-1999)
Some bold commentators have suggested that the difficulties between Jacob and Esau may be due to the fact that not enough attention was paid to the innate differences in the children’s natures, and that they were both, mistakenly, given the same cookie-cutter education. There is always a great price to pay for not recognizing that children have individual and personal needs that must be addressed.
0 Comments11 Minutes
Vayishlach 5779-2018
“Jacob’s Challenging Life”
Our Patriarch Jacob, lived a life of many challenges. Yet, he never gave up hope and never became bitter. There is much to learn from father Jacob about facing and living with overwhelming adversity.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Vayeitzei 5779-2018
“The Deceivers are Deceived”
Jacob, the deceiver of Esau, is himself deceived by Laban. Torah law insists that employer-employee relationships must be based on truth and honesty.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Toledot 5778-2017
“Isaac’s Unconditional Love for Esau”
Isaac’s unconditional love for his prodigal son, Esau, serves as a model for all parents, and the inevitable challenges faced in childrearing.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayishlach 5777-2016
“Esau and Jacob Embrace and Kiss: Sincere or Insincere?”
After more than two decades of separation, Esau and Jacob meet and embrace. Is the reunion a true reconciliation or a temporary respite in the hatred that is deeply ingrained?
0 Comments6 Minutes
Vayeitzei 5777-2016
“The Great Deception”
Deceptions are found frequently in the book of Genesis. While they are often painful and devastating, they, on occasion, lead to great redemption and salvation.
0 Comments10 Minutes
Vayishlach 5776-2015
“Jacob Tarries in Succot”
Jacob had taken an oath to return to his family home in Canaan. And yet, for reasons unknown, Jacob tarries for years in Succot and Shechem before returning home.
0 Comments7 Minutes
Vayeitzei 5776-2015
“Disclosing Personal Information For Shidduch Purposes”
The issue of relating private information for the sake of marriage is a serious one. The first encounter between Jacob and Rachel reveals some interesting facts and has bearing on this issue.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Bereshith 5775-2014
“The Sad Destiny of the Firstborn Children”
A prominent feature of the book of Genesis is the struggle for dominance between the first born and the younger siblings. In each instance, the younger sibling is chosen to serve as leader.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayishlach 5773-2012
"Gid Ha’nasheh: The Sinew of the Thigh"
Why are Jews forbidden to eat "Gid Ha’nasheh,” the sinew of the thigh?
Genesis,Weekly Message,Vayishlach
0 Comments8 Minutes
Toledot 5773-2012
"The Sale of the Birthright"
What really took place at the sale of the birthright? The Midrash fills in the many edifying details.
Weekly Message,Genesis,Toledot
0 Comments11 Minutes
Devarim 5772-2012
"The Al-mighty’s Relationship with the Nations of the World"
As the People of Israel conclude their 40 year trek through the wilderness, they emerge as a triumphant nation, having defeated the most powerful nations in the world. Nevertheless, Moses tells them in G-d's name that they must zealously respect the rights and privileges of the other nations as well.
Weekly Message,Genesis,Devarim
0 Comments13 Minutes
Vayishlach 5772-2011
“Jacob Lines Up His Family for the Encounter With Esau”
In parashat Vayishlach, in anticipation of his dreaded encounter with his brother Esau, Jacob strategically lines up his family to assure their safety. It seems as if Jacob is prepared to sacrifice the handmaidens and their children in order for the children of Rachel and Leah to be spared. Could this possibly be true?
0 Comments7 Minutes
Toledot 5772-2011
“Isaac Blesses His Sons”
Professor Menashe Duvshani was for many years the premier Bible educator for Israeli high school students. He offers a unique view on the story of Isaac blessing his sons.
0 Comments15 Minutes