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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayishlach
We will remember that Lavan pursued Yaakov with the intention to cause physical harm but left kissing his daughters and grandchildren, after making a pact with Yaakov. What was the cause of the change of heart in Lavan? It is possible to claim that Hashem’s appearance before Lavan, instructing him to not harm Yaakov, was behind the change. However, given that Lavan was far from a G-d-fearer, it is surprising that this would change his attitude.
We will suggest that another event, which is alluded to at the end of ch. 31 and finds more detailed expression in ch. 32, actually had an impact on Lavan. "Yaakov went along his way, and he was met by malachei Elokim. Yaakov said when he saw them: ‘This is an encampment of Hashem,’ and he called the place Machanayim" (Bereishit 32:2-3). Immediately thereafter, we have the opening pasuk of our parasha, in which Yaakov sent malachim to Eisav.
The expression "Yaakov went along his way" indicates that while he had already been on the path since leaving Lavan’s house, now Yaakov was not running, but walking (i.e., travelling normally). This is because he met malachei Elokim. We venture to say that these were not angels but hundreds of men, capable of fighting, among other things, who were waiting 20 years for this moment. They were disciples of Avraham and Yitzchak, who were very disappointed when Yaakov, who could have been their leader, as the mentor of those who serve Hashem, had to temporarily abdicate his leadership role so that he could flee Eisav by running to Charan.
We point out that Ibn Ezra translates malachim in this context as messengers or agents, not as angels. These were agents who did that which was correct in the eyes of Hashem. They came just at the right time, when Yaakov was meeting Lavan, and they gave Yaakov the confidence that he would be able to survive the tensions with Lavan. They also were those who changed Lavan’s mind, as he saw that Yaakov was no longer an easy target. These were the "brothers" of Yaakov who took part in the ceremonious eating with Lavan. The pact with Lavan was no longer entered into with Lavan being the stronger party. These malachim were the ones that Yaakov used to send to Eisav and the ones who made it possible to prepare for war if necessary with him.
Peace is possible primarily when one goes into the situation from a position of power, so that the other side realizes that war is not worthwhile for them. May Hashem bless His nation with peace!
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
