Vayishlach 5781-2020
“The Proper and Improper use of Zealotry”
(updated and revised from Vayishlach 2000-5761)
We read of the very painful and distressing episode of the rape of Dinah, by the ruler of Shechem. Employing subterfuge in order to avenge the attack on their sister, Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, demand that the men of the city be circumcised if they want to marry any Jewish women. While recovering from their circumcision, the men of Shechem are killed by Simeon and Levi, and the city is plundered by the remaining sons of Jacob. Jacob condemns Simeon and Levi for their violence and never seems to forgive them until the day of his death. However, the tribe of Simeon seems to bear that condemnation forever, whereas the tribe of Levi becomes the spiritual leader of Israel. Why their different fates?
0 Comments10 Minutes
Va’eira 5775-2015
“The Measure of Brotherly Love”
Why does Scripture delve into the genealogy of Moses and Aaron with such detail?
0 Comments10 Minutes
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5772-2012
“A United People Build the Tabernacle”
What were the special qualities of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which ensured its durability, that were not found in the permanent Temples of Jerusalem?
0 Comments9 Minutes
Vayishlach 5761-2000
"The Proper and Improper Use of Zealotry"
We read of the very painful and distressing story of the rape of Dinah, by the ruler of Shechem. Employing subterfuge in order to avenge the attack on their sister, Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, demand that the men of the city be circumcised if they want to marry any Jewish women. While recovering from their surgery, the men are attacked by the sons of Jacob and killed. Jacob condemns Simeon and Levi for their violence and never seems to forgive them until the day of his death. However, the tribe of Simeon seems to bear that condemnation forever, whereas the tribe of Levi becomes the spiritual leader of Israel. Why their different fates?
0 Comments9 Minutes