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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!
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)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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)
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)
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.
P'ninat Mishpat 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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
