Esav's Deception in His Perennial Struggle with Israel

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.

Why Did Isaac Love Esau?

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We Want Esav’s Hands

The National Significance of Intergenerational Connection

The whole world will recognize the special status that Avraham and Yitzchak established

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...

A Father’s Love

Esau is searching

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?

Womb With A View

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

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?

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.

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?

Change in Human Initiative Pattern

One of the major themes in Sefer Bereishit is the contrasts between each of the righteous patriarchs and matriarchs. Let us focus on the nature of the struggles to emerge safely as a pillar of the Chosen Nation.

A Layman's Guide to Marriage

I was told that I should not include quotations from pesukim on my daughter’s wedding invitation. Yet, I see that ‘everyone’ does! Could you please explain the halacha? "I wish someone could walk me through all the halachic steps that we need in planning our daughter's wedding. I am afraid I'll forget to take care of something.

Do Clothes Make the Man?

All in the Family

Communication Matters

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