Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43 ) In this week’s Parsha, Yaakov is engaged in a fight for survival with the Esav’s Angel. Yaakov is able to overcome his attack, but the Angel does manage to wound him in his thigh. As a result of this damage, the Torah prohibits eating from the gid hanasheh (sciatic nerve) from kosher animals,… Read More »PARSHAT VAYETZEI – THE SECRET TO JEWISH SURVIVAL

Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3 ) In this weeks’ Torah portion, after Yaakov marries Rachel and Leah, the Torah tells us, “Hashem saw that Leah was senuah(literally, “hated”).”1 We know that Yaakov was initially supposed to marry Rachel, but the wily Lavan switched Rachel for her elder sister, Leah. Consequently, Yaakov married both Rachel and Leah. The commentaries wonder how such… Read More »PARSHAT VAYETZEI – REDEFING HATRED

Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9 ) Bereishit, 26:5: “Because Avraham heeded My voice, he observed My safeguards, My commandments, My decrees and My laws.Yoma, 28b: “Rav says, ‘Our father, Avraham kept the entire Torah as it says, ‘because Avraham heeded My voice… In the Torah Portion of Toldot, G-d blesses Yitzchak in the merit of his father, Avraham, because Avraham listened… Read More »PARSHAT TOLDOT – SHABBAT AND THE LAND OF ISRAEL

Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18 ) Bereishis, 24:14: “And it will be that the girl that I will say to her, ‘Please tip your jug and I will drink’ and she will say ‘drink’ and also, I will water your camels, You have proved that [she is fitting for] your servant, for Yitzchak, and through her I will know… Read More »PARSHAT CHAYEI SARAH – THE PERFECT SPOUSE

Vayeira (Genesis 18-22 )  Bereishis, 18:1: “And Hashem appeared to him [Avraham] in Elonei Mamrei…”Rashi, 18:1: Dh: B’Elonei Mamrei: “He [Mamrei] is the one that gave him the advice about circumcision, therefore, [Hashem] was revealed to him [Avraham] in his portion.Daas Zekeinim, 18:1: Dh: Vayeira: “…When the Holy One Blessed is He commanded him to circumcise all of his household,… Read More »PARSHAT VAYEIRA – TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

Lech Lecha (Genesis 12-17 ) Bereishit, 13:14: “And HaShem spoke to Avram after the separation of Lot from him…” Rashi, Bereishit, 13:14, Dh: Acharei: “The whole time that that wicked one [Lot] was with him [Avraham], Prophecy was taken from him. And earlier, when Lot was with him, and it says, ‘Hashem appeared to Avram’ – at that time he… Read More »PARSHAT LECH LECHA – GIVING AT THE EXPENSE OF ONE’S OWN GROWTH