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The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Jacob ben Bechora
Let us proceed with a simple question. Why did it take Yaakov so long to make it home, especially considering his parents’ age (actually, Rivka died soon before he returned)? The following suggestion could not only answer the question but also shed light on the previous issue. Yaakov told Eisav that he had to go slowly, according to the pace of the children. Perhaps he was referring to their spiritual development. He had taken them out of the influence of their grandfather, Lavan, but as we see from some of the stories (see Bereishit 35:2), a process of purification was needed. Perhaps Yaakov felt that it was not yet the right time to present his children to his holy father, before they reached his expectations.
If this is the case, then there is a connection between Yaakov’s delay and his refusal to have Dina marry Eisav. He lacked sufficient trust in his children’s spiritual ability to cope with challenges. Generally, being extra careful because of the concern that one’s child is not ready to cope may be prudent. However, when one refrains from an important mitzva, in this case, honoring one’s parents or saving one’s brother’s spiritual state, underestimating the children can be a serious offense. The unnecessary delay also prevented his children from being positively influenced by Yitzchak and, to the contrary, they struggled with tests along the way.
We can now answer the following question. If Yaakov was late in fulfilling his oath, why did that happen? Actually, Yaakov said that his side of the deal would begin when Hashem would enable him to return in peace to his father’s home (Bereishit 28:21). Yaakov had not yet returned, so how was he late? The answer is that Hashem had done His part in enabling him to return. The fact that he was unnecessarily hesitant did not entitle him to say that he had not returned; therefore, he was already obligated to build the "house of Hashem."
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.