Parashat Hashavua: Divinely Ordained Sibling Deceit

Parashat Hashavua: Reddish! Is that Good? – Part II

The Connection between Divine Presence and a Straight Angle

Why Specifically a Matzeva (Monument)?

At the beginning of Yaakov’s long journey, he stopped in Beit El, where he slept, dreamt, and erected a monument. At that place, he swore that if he would return in peace to his father’s house, he would make the place of the monument a “house of G-d”.

A Deal for the Firstborn, a Restaurant Serving, or Holy Real Estate? – part II

A Working Malach - part I

Who Could Yaakov’s Brothers Be?

Last week we looked into the dangers of Jews becoming overly socially connected to the members of other nations. The issue comes to the fore again in this week’s parasha. After the confrontation and conciliation between Yaakov and Lavan, a feast took place between the two sides. The Torah tells us that Yaakov “called to his brothers to eat bread,” which they did before retiring on the mountain (Bereishit 31:54). The question that the Rabbis ask is: who were these brothers of Yaakov? Different answers are presented.

Beit El is the Place

The Torah tells us that Yaakov spent a momentous night in the makom (place) (Bereishit 28:11). A few years ago, we explained that this word, especially when it also appears with the word shem (name), refers to a Divine Presence at the place. So what special place was it at which Yaakov had his dream and revelation?

Where is the “Place,” and Where is the Ladder?

Brothers in this World and the Next

Concern for Whom?

The Tie Goes to Our Father

Monetary Sanctification

Where Is the Place and Where Is the Ladder

“What’s the Rush?”

Parashat Vayetze

Parashat Vayetze

An Angel (of a Person?)

Parashat Vayezte

Parashat Vayezte

The Danger of the Fear of High Places

Parashat Vayetze

When Yaakov woke from his dream he was fearful - Why?; Radak's explanation; Understanding this parshia with the Midrash's help.