Vayeitzei 5771-2010
"The Hated Wife”
Is it possible that the great patriarch, Jacob, actually “hated” his wife? The commentators wrestle with this issue.
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Vayechi 5770-2009
"Rachel's Burial Place in Bethlehem"
Jacob interrupts a most important message to his son Joseph by recalling his failure to bury Rachel in Hebron. What could possibly have been his motivation?
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Vayeitzei 5770-2009
"Punishment Awaits the Evildoers"
The great contemporary Bible commentator, Nehama Leibowitz brilliantly points out that Jacob's deception at the hands of Laban is actually a punishment for deceiving his own father, and for stealing his brother's blessings. Perhaps it's time for the leaders and members of all faiths to speak out against evil and deception within their own religious ranks.
0 Comments12 Minutes
Bamidbar 5769-2009
"Bringing Order to the Camp of Israel"
When it came to setting up the camp of Israel in the wilderness, two influences were significant. The angels at Sinai who surrounded G-d, and the directives that Jacob bequeathed to his children at the time of his death. Establishing healthy and secure family relationships often requires Divine intervention, but the human role must not be underestimated.
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Vayechi 5769-2009
"Blessing the Children"
There is no greater joy for parents than to bask in the blessings of one's children. Unfortunately, there is no greater pain that one can endure than the shame brought upon one's family and on the family of humankind by our children.
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Vayishlach 5769-2008
"What's in a Name?"
First an angel informs Jacob that his name has been changed to Yisrael, then the Al-mighty Himself formally announces the name change. Why is Abraham's name change permanent, while Jacob's is not?
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Vayeitzei 5769-2008
"Leah, the Fourth Matriarch"
Our matriarch, Leah, bears six of Jacob's twelve sons, and is nevertheless depicted as "s'nu'ah," (literally "hated"). Leah, is a complex figure who earns the title "matriarch" and in some ways, outshines her favored sister, Rachel.
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Toledot 5769-2008
"The Blessings of a Tzaddik"
Isaac wants to bless his son Esau. Rebecca feels that Jacob is more deserving of the blessing. Does a tzaddik (a righteous person) really have the power to bestow blessings on others? Don't all blessings really belong to G-d?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayigash 5768-2007
"And Jacob Sent Judah Ahead"
Jacob sends Judah ahead to Egypt to prepare for the family's arrival in Goshen. Why does Jacob specifically choose Judah, and what exactly is the purpose of Judah's mission?
0 Comments8 Minutes