81 Lessons
Toldot "YA'AKOV DONS ESAV'S ARMS"
How can we understand that Yitzchak preferred & even considered giving the bracha of Eretz Yisrael to Esav? This short article explains a new pshat (literal understanding) as well as having important ramifications for today's current events between Israel & Hamas.
Toldot THIS “TIRE” MUST NEVER WEAR OUT
Our sedra begins the amazing story of Yakov & Esav. This is a saga that never really ends; the progeny of Yakov - we Jews - will go on forever, & we will be locked in battle, both physical & spiritual, with Esav’s descendants until the end of time.
Toldot The National Significance of Intergenerational Connection
The whole world will recognize the special status that Avraham and Yitzchak established
Toldot This Culture Is Not for Us
...In recent generations, [the] struggle [between Yaakov and Esav] has taken on a new and even more complex nature, and it is important that we not be misled by it. Today, the culture leading the world is Western culture, and the morality leading the world is Western morality. This culture and morality are upgraded versions of X-ianity, with a more refined and pretty face. Many Jews who encounter this Western morality find in it an echo of Judaism, and are inclined to think that it is an "upgraded Judaism," Heaven forbid...
Toldot Conflict of Interest
Are you permitted to judge a case in which a friend of yours is one of the litigants? What about someone who davens in the same shul? Or someone who consistently rubs you the wrong way?
Toldot Brothers Who Seek to Receive Blessings Throughout History
Why did the blessings have to come in a disguise? What can we learn from this to our days?
Toldot This Culture is Not For Us
Understanding the difference between Judaism and Christianity via the story of Yaakov and Esav. Challenging the concept of a "Judeo-Christian" culture
Toldot Was Jacob Right to Take the Blessings?
Was Jacob right to take Esau’s blessing in disguise? Was he right to deceive his father and to take from his brother the blessing Isaac sought to give him? Was Rebecca right in conceiving the plan in the first place and encouraging Jacob to carry it out?
Toldot The Tracks of Our Tears
The pattern of infertility that we saw with Sara Imenu continues with Rivka. The Gemara says “G-d “desires the prayers & dialogue of the righteous,” & distress - as in this case, when Rivka, like Sara, struggles to get pregnant - is what usually motivates a person to reach out to G-d.
Toldot Transmition to Descendants
Is there any reason why Parashat Noah should be called based on the name of person involved, and our Torah reading this week should be called based on the generations and genealogy being described?
