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Beit Midrash
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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
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
