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Yakov also undergoes every possible trial & test, even more than Avraham endures: He has traumatic issues with his brother, his wives (now, that alone is an issue!), his conniving father-in-law, his bickering children. His life is threatened more than once; he deals with famine, (civil) war & poverty as well as the seeming loss of his most beloved child. Yet he manages to meet all these challenges & emerge as the true "father of our nation," as we will eternally be known collectively as "Bnei Yisrael."
Yakov is a scholar ("Ish Ohalim"), a dreamer (the Ladder); a romantic (he kisses Rachel at first sight) & a fighter (the wrestling match with the angel). He is a kind of EveryMan, the epitome of the "Renaissance Man," long before the actual Renaissance came into being.
Where does Yakov get the strength to handle everything which Life throws at him? What is his inspiration? Rav Pam suggests that his fortitude derives from Rivka, his mother. Remember that it is Rivka, in our Sedra, who knows intuitively that Yakov, & not Esav, is qualified to accept the future mantle of leadership in the family, & she is prepared to do all it takes – including risking her relationship with husband Yitzchak – in order to promote Yakov’s candidacy. Rivka is brave, & clever, & totally devoted to Yakov. She saves his life by wisely sending him away to live with her brother, preventing him from being harmed by Esav.
Rivka’s name can be read as "Ravaka," the single," or lonely one. Separated from Yakov, alienated from Esav & perhaps from Yitzchak, she’ll die a lonely death – only the grave-digger will be present at her funeral, say Chazal.
Yakov must surely carry all this within him, believing at each crucial juncture in his life that he must validate his mother’s faith in him; he must honor her by being the great leader she was so convinced he could be. This is an awesome responsibility, but that is exactly what inspires a person to live up to his or her potential.
The Torah hints at the unbreakable Yakov-Rivka bond when it says: "Vaye’ehav Yitzchak et Esav; V’Rivka Ohevet et Yakov." Yitzchak LOVED Esav; but Rivka LOVES Yakov. A mother’s love is not bound by time; we carry it with us for as long as we live, it is an indelible part of our soul.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
