Podcasts about esav

Welcome to Daily Bitachon Welcome to Daily Bitachon. Having completed Sha'ar Habechina , we are now going to switch to a more timely topic. We find ourselves in the month of Tammuz , which brings the fast of the 17th of Tammuz, followed by the month of Av and its respective fast. I would like to spend some time understanding the deeper dimensions of these months. Personally, seeing how perfectly planned and intricate the events of Jewish history are always provides a powerful chizuk in emunah , which naturally leads to deeper bitachon . To fully appreciate this, we need some background. We are not in a rush, so we will take our time to truly understand it. This framework is based largely on the teachings of the Ben Ish Chai (in Parashat Devarim ), where he discusses these concepts at length. The Three Dimensions of Conflict: Place, Person, and Time First, the Ben Ish Chai notes that the twelve months of the year are fundamentally broken down into four sets of three, aligned with the solar cycle—what we know as the four seasons. Secondly, we know that from the womb, there was a perpetual struggle between Yaakov and Esav . They fought over everything in existence, categorized by the classic framework of Place, Person, and Time . These are the three core dimensions of our existence: a person lives in a place and moves through time . Place: They struggled over the land of Eretz Yisrael . Person: They struggled over who would hold the status of the Bechorah (the birthright). Time: They struggled over who would control the different seasons of the year. The Summer Cycle: Grabbing the Heel Looking at the summer cycle, Yaakov claimed the spring months of Nissan, Iyar, and Sivan —the three months of Chodesh Ha'aviv . This is a beautiful, spiritually rich period: Nissan contains Pesach, Iyar holds the bulk of Sefirat Ha'omer, and Sivan brings Matan Torah. Yaakov Avinu fought for these three wonderful months and claimed them as his own. Then, the intense heat of the summer begins—a period of strict, intense judgment. This is where Esav takes over. This aligns with the fact that Esav calculates by the sun, and the sun is at its strongest during this time. Esav was originally slated to receive Tammuz, Av, and Elul . However, the Torah emphasizes that Yaakov grabbed Esav's heel at birth, earning him the name Yaakov (from Ekev , meaning heel). This teaches us that each of these three-month cycles has a "heel," or a tail end. Yaakov pulled the heel of this summer cycle—the month of Elul —back into his own domain. This converted what would have been an equal three-and-three split into an unequal four-month to two-month split in favor of Yaakov. The Winter Cycle: Venahapoch Hu We see the exact same pattern repeat during the winter months. Tishrei, Cheshvan, and Kislev belong to Yaakov. Tishrei is the month of the High Holidays. Cheshvan, though it contains no holidays, serves as the time to review and process the spiritual gains of the Chagim . Finally, Kislev brings the light of Chanukah. The next three months— Tevet, Shevat, and Adar —should have belonged to Esav. Tevet contains the fast of Asara B'Tevet . Shevat shares a root with the word Shevet , which means a whipping stick or a staff of judgment, signifying that Shevat also carries an element of strict justice. Adar was also supposed to belong to Esav, but once again, Yaakov grabbed the heel of the cycle and pulled Adar back. This is the deeper secret behind the phrase Venahapoch hu —it was completely turned around. Ultimately, this leaves Esav with only four distinct months of intense judgment throughout the year: Tammuz, Av, Tevet, and Shevat . The Spiritual Mechanics of Heat and Cold It is fascinating to see how something as everyday as the twelve months and the changing seasons trace back to the foundational conflict between Yaakov and Esav. Furthermore, the winter and summer concepts relate directly to the ideas of severe cold and severe heat. What do hot and cold have to do with our spiritual lives? It might sound intense, but our tradition teaches that while Gehenom is made of fire—which is what most people know—there is also a Gehenom of snow. There is a realm of extreme heat (like the Sahara Desert) and a realm of extreme cold (like the North Pole). Both are incredibly difficult environments for life. These two extremes correspond to the two primary ways we stumble: Intense Heat: This represents the burning pursuit of desires and lust. Intense Cold: This represents a state of freezing, spiritual paralysis, and laziness. In the winter months, our primary challenge is to overcome the "cold" of laziness and not simply stay in bed. In the summer months, our challenge is to control the "heat" and not follow our desires. The Gehenom of fire is the consequence of chasing unbridled passion, while the Gehenom of snow is for frozen apathy. Esav is constantly trying to entrap us in these two areas. As Rashi notes, when Esav walked in to receive a blessing from his father Yitzchak, Yitzchak saw Gehenom open up behind him. Esav is the one who ultimately aligns with Gehenom , while Yaakov and his children inherit Gan Eden and Olam HaBa . Historical Precision as a Source of Chizuk These spiritual dynamics repeat themselves every single year. As we overcome the specific trials of the summer and winter, we emerge clean. The calendar is not random or haphazard. Tammuz and Av are months of strict judgment because they are Esav's remaining summer months of intense, severe heat. It is no coincidence that this was the exact time of year the Beit HaMikdash was destroyed by fire. The historical convergence is remarkable. The First Beit HaMikdash , the Second Beit HaMikdash , the Spanish Inquisition, and the outbreaks of both World War I and World War II all heavily converged around this specific window of the year. Rav Eliyahu Lopian once beautifully remarked that if the enemy only realized that the Jewish people actually derive a chizuk in emunah from the fact that these tragic events repeatedly happen at the exact same calendar window, they would have intentionally chosen a different time to attack us! Recognizing that everything is so precisely designed and orchestrated by Hakadosh Baruch Hu is profoundly comforting. It serves to strengthen our emunah and bitachon , giving us the tools to navigate and elevate these challenging times of the year.

Parashat Naso is famous for being the longest Parasha in the entire Torah, as it consists of 176 verses. Not coincidentally, this is also the number of verses in the longest chapter of Tehillim (119), and the number of pages in the longest Masechet in the Talmud, Masechet Baba Batra. The unique significance of this number is revealed to us by the Maharal of Prague (Rav Yehuda Loew, d. 1609). He begins by establishing what has become a well-known principle regarding the number 8 – namely, that it signifies the notion of extending beyond the confines of nature. The world was created in seven days – and, in the teachings of Kabbalah, through the process of the seven Sefirot, spiritual energies – and so the number 7 represents the natural order. The number 8, then, alludes to that which is beyond the limits of nature. Thus, for example, the Berit Mila is performed on a child's eighth day, indicating that we are expected to restrain our natural impulses, to live on a higher plane, where our sacred soul controls our natural body. Likewise, the Maharal explains, the seven lamps of the Menorah in the Bet Ha'mikdash symbolize the natural world – and behind the curtain in the Mikdash there was the eighth "light," the Torah. The sacred Aron (ark) contained the Torah, and it was thus called "Aron," a derivative of the word "Or" – "light." The Torah shines its own form of light – not a natural light that enables us to see with our eyes, but a spiritual light that reaches our souls, and uplifts and inspires us. The Torah is written with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, the Maharal writes, and when we multiply 22 by 8, we arrive at 176. This number, then, is associated with Torah's supernatural quality, its having originated outside our world, reminding us that it is through the study of Torah that we can extend beyond the confines of our world and connect ourselves to Hashem and to all the powers that lie outside our world. For this reason, the longest Parasha, the longest chapter of Tehillim, and the long section of the Gemara are all connected with this number, as they embody the great power of Torah. This unique power, which is associated with the number 176, also enables us to overcome our foes. Kabbalah teaches that the greatest spiritual force that threatens Beneh Yisrael is represented by one of the grandsons of Esav, a man named Sefo (Tzadi, Peh, Vav), whose name is listed among the twelve chieftains of Edom, the nation that descended from Esav (Bereshit 36:15). The Ramban cites the historian Josephus as relating that Sefo was a fierce enemy of Yaakob Abinu and his family, and when Yaakob's sons brought his remains from Egypt to Hebron for burial in Me'arat Ha'machpela, Sefo and his men waged war against them. However, Yaakob's sons prevailed, captured Sefo, and brought him as a prisoner to Egypt. Sefo would later escape and make his way to what would become Rome, and he is thus the founder of the kingdom of Rome, the bitter enemy of the Jewish People. According to the wisdom of Kabbalah, Sefo represents the spiritual force of our wicked enemies who wage war against us and seek our demise. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) taught that the way we defeat the power of Sefo is through the power of Torah. Indeed, the name "Sefo" in Gematria equals 176 – and we thus overcome his force through the power of Torah, which is represented by that same number. This is why Sefo waged war at that time of Yaakob Abinu's funeral – because he knew that the greatest power Beneh Yisrael possess is the power of Torah, which was embodied by Yaakob. Sefo sought to fight Beneh Yisrael at that time to neutralize this power so he could defeat them – but the power of Yaakob, the power of Torah, prevailed. The Shabbat when we read Parashat Naso – especially coming on the heels of Shabuot, when we renewed our acceptance of the Torah – is an appropriate occasion to remind ourselves of the unique power of Torah learning. As we see the alarming rise of antisemitism around the world, and as the Jewish State finds itself in the midst of a difficult war against its fierce, evil enemies, let us recommit ourselves to Torah learning. Let us all ensure that we are devoting the time and effort that we should to learn, so that we can harness the great power of Torah with which to overcome our nation's bitter foes.

The Zohar HaKadosh writes that a bara mehemna —a faithful child—is one who asks Hashem for his sustenance every single day, even when he already has enough food to eat. And when he does this, Hashem blesses him with more. What is it about this behavior that makes a person so special? Why does this earn him the title of a child of emunah ? We know that when Yaakov Avinu was fleeing from Esav, he was robbed by Eliphaz and lost all of his money. The pasuk tells us that Yaakov then asked Hashem for לֶחֶם לֶאֱכֹל וּבֶגֶד לִלְבֹּשׁ —bread to eat and clothing to wear. The mefarshim ask: seemingly, the words le'echol and lilbosh are unnecessary. Of course bread is for eating and clothing is for wearing. Why did the Torah phrase it this way? The sefer Birkat Hamazon BeKavana explains that perhaps Yaakov was saying to Hashem: I want to be a faithful son, one who turns to You every single day. Therefore, please give me only enough bread for today—without extras—and just enough clothing to wear—without extras—so that I will always need to come back to You. However, this explanation is difficult, because we know that later Yaakov became extremely wealthy in the house of Lavan. Was Hashem telling him that He no longer wanted to hear from him every day? Of course not. Rather, the sefer Birkat Hamazon BeKavana explains that being a faithful child has nothing to do with how much a person possesses, but with his attitude. If a person feels that he needs Hashem just to be able to eat and to get dressed each day, then he is considered a bara mehemna . He does not rely on what he has. Instead, he turns to Hashem like a poor beggar, understanding that everything he owns is meaningless unless Hashem wills him to have it. This is what the Zohar means. Even if a person already has what to eat, he must still ask Hashem for his food every day. This is how Hashem wants us to feel, like we always need Him. And when we do, we are called children of emunah—and we draw down extra blessing from Shamayim. After the Jewish people experienced one of the greatest miracles in history at Kriyat Yam Suf, they traveled for three days in the desert without finding water. Then they arrived at a place called Marah, where there was water—but it was too bitter to drink. The Ben Ish Chai asks: why would Hashem bring them to such a situation immediately after such an incredible miracle? He answers with a mashal. There was a boy who dreamed that everything he touched turned to gold. Instantly, he became the wealthiest person in the world. But after some time, he became thirsty and went to drink water. When he touched the cup, it turned to gold. When the water touched his lips, it also turned to gold. He panicked, realizing that despite all his wealth, he could not even drink something as simple as water. He begged for this power to be taken away. Then he woke up—and immediately ran to get a drink of water, appreciating it like never before. After crossing the Yam Suf, the Jewish people collected the gold and jewelry that washed ashore. They became extraordinarily wealthy. There was a danger that they might begin to feel self-sufficient. So Hashem brought them to a place with no drinkable water, to teach them a crucial lesson: no matter how much a person has, without Hashem, he cannot even take a single sip of water. This lesson was essential, because Hashem wants us to succeed—and true success depends on relying on Him, not on what we possess. No matter what a person has, he must understand that he needs Hashem for everything. And when he truly feels that way—when he turns to Hashem daily for even the simplest needs—then he becomes a bara mehemna , a faithful child, worthy of abundant blessing.

The Shulhan Aruch begins by urging us to be "strong as a lion" to wake up early for the service of our Creator. The Hesed La'alafim (Rav Eliezer Papo, 1785-1828) explains that struggling against the Yeser Ha'ra (evil inclination) is always a difficult challenge, but the struggle to wake up early in the morning is particularly difficult. Right when we wake up, it takes us time to be fully alert, and both our physical and mental faculties are frail. We are therefore in an especially compromised position vis-à-vis the Yeser Ha'ra, who is always "on top of its game" and working to discourage us from doing the right thing. The Shulhan Aruch therefore urges us to muster strength "like a lion" to resist the efforts of the Yeser Ha'ra to keep us in bed when we are supposed to be getting up to serve Hashem. The Mesilat Yesharim (Rav Moshe Haim Luzzato, Italy, 1707-1746) discusses at length the need for "strategies" for fighting the Yeser Ha'ra. The Yeser Ha'ra is exceptionally shrewd in its efforts to lead us astray, so we need to be equally clever in combating these efforts and to remain consistent in our service of Hashem. This is especially true when it comes to the struggle to get up in the morning. The Bayit Hadash (Rav Yoel Sirkis, Poland, 1561-1640) writes that in the morning, the Yeser Ha'ra cleverly tries to convince a person to remain in bed – in the winter, because it is cold early in the morning, and in the summer – when it is actually more comfortable in the cool, early morning hours – because sunrise is very early and he did not sleep enough. Often, the Yeser Ha'ra disguises its arguments as piety, telling the person that he should stay in bed and sleep late so that he can pray later with greater concentration. As the Yeser Ha'ra is shrewd and wily, it is necessary to explore strategies for winning the most difficult battle against the Yeser Ha'ra – the battle to get out of bed on time in the morning. The Hafetz Haim, who was always awake and out of bed early, was once asked about his strategy for winning this battle. He said that when the Yeser Ha'ra tries telling him to stay in bed because it's still early, or it's very cold, he would respond, "Well, you're out of bed! If you got out of bed, then so can I!" The Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) draws our attention to the comment of the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Cracow, 1530-1572) on this first Halacha of the Shulhan Aruch. Citing from the Rambam in his Moreh Nebuchim, the Rama writes that a person must live with the constant awareness that Hashem is always present and sees everything he does. Knowing that we are under constant "surveillance" will assuredly affect the way we act. The Hida writes that G-d takes notice of whether or not we rise when we should, and this awareness should motivate us to wake up on time in the morning. King David says in Tehillim (119:98), "Me'oyebai Tehakemeni," which, simply understood, means, "You make me smarter than my foes." The Rabbis of Mussar explained that this verse also implies that we can gain wisdom "Me'oyebai" – from our adversaries, by learning from their example. When we see the way the wicked tirelessly pursue their desires and how carefully they plan to commit their wrongful acts, we are shown an example of the kind of vigilance with which we are to serve Hashem. When Yaakob Abinu sent a message to his brother, Esav, he told him, "I have lived with Laban, and I observed the 613 Misvot, and did not learn from his evil ways" (Rashi, Bereshit 32:5). Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky (1891-1986) explained that Yaakob here expressed his regret that he did not learn from Laban's pursuit of evil, from the way Laban so passionately and fervently dedicated himself to earn money through any possible means. Yaakob realized that he should have followed Laban's example of devoted work when serving the Almighty. Similarly, we see the lengths people go to earn money, to plan luxury vacations, to build luxury homes, to indulge in vanity – and we should commit to do the same for the sake of Torah and Misvot. Just as people wake up early very easily when this is necessary for a major business deal, or to catch a plane for a vacation, we should certainly be able to wake up early to serve Hashem. Some people employ the tactic of self-imposed "penalties," pledging to give a substantial amount of money to charity each morning that they do not wake up on time. Another relatively simple strategy for getting up early in the morning is to commit to some structured program or framework. For example, when I learned in yeshiva, some of us scheduled Havrutot (study sessions with partners) for the early morning, before Shaharit. If a person knows that his study partner will be waiting for him, he is more likely to get out of bed even if he feels tired or otherwise tempted to stay in bed. Likewise, one can join an early-morning study group, as knowing that he is part of the group makes him feel responsible to regularly attend, thus helping him overcome the temptation to sleep late. Perhaps the simplest – and most important – strategy for waking up early is going to sleep at a reasonable hour. As mentioned in an earlier installment in this series, some explain the Shulhan Aruch's instruction, "Yitgaber Ka'ari" – to be "strong as a lion" in the morning – to mean that one should go to sleep early, like a lion does, so he will wake up refreshed and energized. A yeshiva student once asked me how he can know whether or not he invests sufficient effort into his Torah study in yeshiva. I answered, very simply, that he just needs to strictly follow the yeshiva's schedule. True diligence in Torah learning does not mean that one studies into the wee hours of the morning. Rather, it means that he learns when he is supposed to learn, he eats when he is supposed to eat, he sleeps when he is supposed to sleep, and he relaxes when he is supposed to relax. Staying up very late – even to learn Torah! – is not advisable, as this makes the person less likely to wake up in time in the morning. In fact, it is told that the Hafetz Haim would shut the lights in the Bet Midrash of his yeshiva at night, because he did not want the boys to stay up too late. It is far more important to go to sleep at a reasonable hour so one can get up on time and pray properly, than to stay awake learning until late hours of the night. It is told that at one point during the Hida's travels, he found himself in a certain yeshiva in Germany, where there was a certain outstanding young prodigy, who was remarkably diligent in his Torah study. This youngster grew to become a renowned sage – Rav Natan Adler (1741-1800), the mentor of the Hatam Sofer (Rav Moshe Sofer of Pressburg, 1762-1839). As a young man, he would stay up very late learning Torah, and the Hida saw him arrive late one morning, since he had been up so late. The Hida approached him and gently reprimanded him by citing the remark made by the Shunamite woman, who would host the prophet Elisha: "Ish Elokim Kadosh Hu, Ober Alenu Tamid" – "He is a sacred man of G-d, who regularly passes through here" (Melachim II 4:9). This alluded to young Natan Adler who was a very holy individual – but who regularly "passed Alenu" – arriving late for Shaharit, after the recitation of Alenu… When we go to sleep early, so we wake up refreshed, we avoid the Yeser Ha'ra altogether. We don't even "get into the ring," so-to-speak, because we feel well-rested and ready to get out of bed, without having to struggle. Concluding this opening passage, urging us to rise early in the morning, the Shulhan Aruch writes, "She'yeheh Hu Me'orer Ha'shahar" – "that one should wake up the dawn." Meaning, ideally one should be awake before the sunrise, as though he "wakes up" the morning sun. The source of this concept is King David's proclamation in Tehillim (57:9), "A'ira Shahar" – "I shall awaken the dawn." The Midrash comments: "I shall awaken the dawn, rather than allow the dawn to awaken me." The Taz (Rav David Segal, Poland, d. 1667) raises the question of why the Shulhan Aruch writes only, "that one should wake up the dawn," omitting the Midrash's addition – that David did not allow the dawn to awaken him. The answer, the Taz suggests, is that only a righteous person like King David could have the confidence to declare that he would never wake up past dawn. A person on his level has the motivation and self-discipline to arise early in the morning. Most other people, however, cannot be so confident. We are instructed to make an effort to wake before dawn, but we know that we are frail and require Hashem's assistance. The Shulhan Aruch alludes to this distinction between us and King David by stating only that a person should arise before dawn, without expressing himself as definitively as King David did. The Taz's comments instruct that we must seek Hashem's assistance, and ask Him to help us get up early in the morning. The Rama, in his glosses to this opening passage in the Shulhan Aruch, emphasizes that when a person goes to sleep, he should be mindful of the fact that Hashem is present and watches him even while he sleeps. The work Si'ah Yishak explains the Rama to mean that going to sleep with this awareness will help a person get out of bed on time in the morning. When a person goes to sleep, he can "program" his mind to wake up early by contemplating that Hashem is watching him as he sleeps, and that he must therefore ensure to wake up properly. This is yet another important strategy for waking up early in the morning – to be mindful when going to sleep that Hashem is there watching him as he sleeps, and expects him to wake up on time.

We say in the Haggadah that if Hashem did not take us out of Mitzrayim, we would still have been slaves to Pharaoh there. The mefarshim ask: didn't Hashem promise Abraham that He would redeem his children from Mitzrayim after 400 years? So even if we did not leave early at 210 years, Hashem would still have had to redeem us eventually. So how could we say that we would still be slaves there even until today? The Beit HaLevi answers based on the words of the Arizal, who said that if the Jewish people would have remained in Mitzrayim any longer than they did, they would have sunk into the fiftieth level of tumah. At that point, they would have lost their connection to the holy Avot and would no longer be considered the zaro(seed) of Abraham, similar to Esav and Yishmael. In that state, indeed, they would never have been redeemed. Rav Leib Chasman writes that we see from here the awesome power of a moment in time. Instead of being stuck in Mitzrayim on the fiftieth level of tumah, Hashem rushed the Jewish people out of there at the last moment. They then became elevated to be the Am Hashem for all eternity and to receive the Torah at Har Sinai. How quickly things can change in just a single moment. When a person is going through a hard time and it seems like things will never change, he must strengthen his hope and belief that Hashem can change everything in a moment. A man related that he was working in an office with little potential for growth. There were days when he would sit for hours upon hours with nothing to do. His boss kept telling him things were going to change, but they never did. He had no choice but to send his resume to other companies. He was told about a great job opportunity at a wholesale company and quickly sent his resume there. They called him shortly afterward, saying it looked like the position was already being filled. He found himself once again stuck in a job with little potential, and there were not many good options available. One day, he said to himself, "I am exactly where Hashem wants me to be, and therefore I have to do whatever work I have with joy." As he was waiting for instructions from his boss that day, he called a hotline and listened to a few clips on emunah. He became so encouraged. He walked down the hallway of that office building feeling so happy. At that moment, he received a call saying that the other job was available and that they wanted him. It was an amazing offer with a very high salary. He became so strengthened, seeing the hand of Hashem pulling him out of a job he was not happy with to a job that was perfect for him. All it took was one moment. A young woman shared that this past year she began reading a book on emunah to give her strength while going through shidduchim. Recently, she realized she was getting close to the end of the book and was dating a boy very seriously. She was thinking to herself how nice it would be if she could finish the book right as she got engaged. But a couple of days later, they both realized they were not for each other, and it ended. It was obviously very disappointing for her. She then pictured herself having to start the book all over again once she finished, needing the strength to continue on. However, Hashem, in His infinite kindness, sent her the boy that was meant for her literally the next day. Baruch Hashem, they had a very smooth and quick dating experience, and she finished the book just as she got engaged to him. She thought there would be no way for that to happen, as she was nearing the end of the book with nothing to look forward to. And then, all of a sudden, in one moment, Hashem sent her the greatest yeshuah, and she celebrated her engagement shortly afterward. So much can happen in one moment of time. We must never underestimate the ability of Hashem to give us the most glorious salvations in the blink of an eye.

Daily Bitachon: Pesach and the Revelation of "Banim" Welcome to Daily Bitachon. We continue with our thoughts on Pesach. We mentioned yesterday that the fundamental takeaways of the Seder night are Emunah (belief), Hakarat Hatov (gratitude), and ultimately Avdut —realizing "I am a servant of Hashem." If I have gratitude, I feel the need to reciprocate and rely on Him. The Great Takeaway: "Beni Bechori Yisrael" There is another vital point brought out by Rabbi Avigdor Miller (quoted by Rabbi Yosi Sa'ida in the name of Mr. Sam Gindi). He suggests that a central takeaway of the Seder is Beni Bechori Yisrael : The Jewish people are the children of God. Now, I was initially bothered when I heard that because it feels like a chiddush (a novelty). It isn't explicitly written in the Torah as one of the primary "goals" of Yetziat Mitzrayim . However, as a takeaway for our lives, where do we see this? I thought of two points: 1. The Witness of the Sea First, we say in our nightly prayers ( Ga'al Yisrael ) that when Hashem crossed the sea for the Jewish people: הַמַּעֲבִיר בָּנָיו בֵּין גִּזְרֵי יַם סוּף "He took His children through the splittings of the Red Sea." And then: רָאוּ בָנִים אֶת גְּבוּרָתוֹ "The children saw His strength." There is something about Kriat Yam Suf (the splitting of the sea)—which is the finale of the Exodus—that reveals us as Hashem's children. In the Emunah Kol Zot prayer, we say there is nothing like God, and then: Ve'anachnu Yisrael amo ("And we, Israel, are His nation"). I once heard from Rav Moshe Shapiro that Emunah is not just believing God is King of the world, but believing we are His nation. We must believe in that identity. 2. The Father vs. The Messenger Another way God is revealed as a Father is pointed out by Rav Shmuel Birnbaum in his Haggadah. He discusses the phrase Ani velo shaliach ("I and not a messenger"). He explains that when a father truly loves his child, he doesn't want to care for them through an intermediary. It's not just about the child "being taken care of"—the father wants to be the one doing the caring. Think of a mother who waited ten years for a child; she isn't interested in a wet nurse or a nanny. She wants to care for that child herself because of her motherly love. So, too, God Himself wanted to take us out because we are His children. The Father Who Carries Us We see this again in Devarim (1:31): וּבַמִּדְבָּר אֲשֶׁר רָאִיתָ אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאֲךָ ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר יִשָּׂא אִישׁ אֶת בְּנוֹ "And in the wilderness... where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son." Rashi gives the famous mashal (parable) of a father carrying his child on his shoulders to protect him from attackers. The pasuk continues there by saying, "And in this matter, you do not believe"—meaning, you don't truly believe that we are Hashem's beloved children. The Kedushat Levi says almost the exact same thing: at Yetziat Mitzrayim , it was revealed we are His children because a father goes personally into the redemption. The Night of Blessings It is interesting to note that the night of Pesach is the same night Yitzchak Avinu gave the brachot (blessings) to Yaakov. This is the ultimate Birkat Habanim (Blessing of the Children). It is brought down that the most apropos time of the year to bless your children is the night of Pesach. In those blessings, Yitzchak uses the word beni ("my son") eight times. The Or Gedalyahu explains that just as David Hamelech used the word beni eight times to try and pull his son Avshalom out of the seven levels of Gehinnom, Yitzchak Avinu (thinking he was talking to Esav) wanted to lift his children up from the lowest levels. Why? Because a child is always a child. This is the message of the Arba Banim (Four Sons). Even the Rasha (the wicked son) is at the table. Regardless of what we do, we remain Banim la-Makom (Children of the Omnipresent). From Children to Brothers If we are children, that status comes with a requirement of brotherhood. The Pele Yoetz quotes the pasuk in Malachi (2:10): הֲלוֹא אָב אֶחָד לְכֻלָּנוּ... מַדּוּעַ נִבְגַּד אִישׁ בְּאָחִיו ? "Have we not all one Father? ... Why then do we deal treacherously every man against his brother?" The Tanya (Chapter 32) says that because our souls are connected to one Father, we are Achim Mamash —literal brothers. Only our bodies are separate. The Maharal tells us the Jewish people are like one big body, and God is the soul of all of them. This was the first step of Moshe Rabbeinu's journey. Vayar besivlotam —he saw their sufferings. He saw them as brothers in need. He carried the trait of brotherhood passed down from Shimon and Levi ( Achim heim ). Viewing everyone as a brother is the true key to redemption. As the Maggid of Dubno and Hafetz Haim both famously : When two brothers love each other, the Father is happy and provides for the home. When they fight, the Father hides His face. If we want our Father in Heaven to treat us like His children, we must treat each other like brothers. A Final Appeal And again, our final push: Baruch Hashem, there were people who responded yesterday to my heartfelt plea on behalf of Lev Chana Lev Zechariah , collecting for clothing cards for families in our community. How to give: Zelle: RabbiSutton@gmail.com Pledge: Email me at RabbiSutton@gmail.com Link: Click the link attached to this chat or email : https://www.rayze.it/levchanazm/ Please give generously. Thank you very much, and Tizku L'mitzvot. Thank you, and may we all merit to see the brotherhood in one another.

REM-SS85-08 The Torah tells that as Beneh Yisrael stood at the shores of the sea, and they saw the Egyptian army pursuing them, they cried out to G-d – "Va'yis'aku Beneh Yisrael El Hashem" (14:10). Rashi comments: "Tafesu Umanut Abotam" – "They took hold of their forefathers' craft." Meaning, Beneh Yisrael here followed the example set for them by the patriarchs, who likewise prayed to G-d. Rashi then proceeds to cite verses from the Book of Bereshit showing that the three patriarchs – Abraham, Yishak and Yaakob – prayed. When reading Rashi's brief remark, we must wonder what point he wishes to make, which difficulty in the text he is trying to resolve. Why must we be informed that Beneh Yisrael's prayers at the shores of the sea followed the patriarchs' example? How does this enhance our understanding of the text? Probing a bit deeper, Rashi's comments become even more perplexing. As mentioned, Rashi cites verses that speak of the patriarchs praying. Surprisingly, however, Rashi specifically does not cite the more obvious sources of the patriarchs' prayers. Instead of pointing to Abraham's prayer on behalf of the city of Sedom, Rashi instead brings the verse that tells of Abraham returning the next day to the spot where he had prayed for Sedom (Bereshit 19:27). Instead of noting Yishak's prayer for a child, Rashi instead cites the Torah's vague description of Yishak "conversing" in the field (Bereshit 24:63), which the Sages interpret as a reference to prayer. And instead of mentioning Yaakob's plea for help when Esav was approaching with an army, Rashi brings the verse that tells of Yaakob's evening "encounter" ("Va'yifga" – 28:11), which is understood to mean that he prayed. Why did Rashi not cite the clearest references to the patriarchs' prayers? More generally, why did Rashi need to bring textual proof to the fact that our righteous Abot (patriarchs) prayed? Do we not already know this? The Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rav Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 1902-1994) answered all these questions by establishing that Beneh Yisrael's cries were not actual cries for help. We must remember that these events transpired after G-d had brought the powerful Egyptian Empire to its knees with ten miraculous plagues, after Moshe had informed the people that G-d was bringing them to their homeland, and after they had taken the Egyptians' possessions with them to bring to the Holy Land. They knew that G-d would help them and save them from the pursuing Egyptian army. They did not have a doubt. (Although the Torah relates that the people turned to Moshe in panic, asking why he had taken them out of Egypt to perish, Rashi explains that this was a different group than the group who responded by praying.) They had complete faith in G-d. This was the point that Rashi wished to clarify – that the people prayed even though they were confident that they would be saved. These prayers were not a prayer for help, for rather "Umanut Abotam" – the "craft" taught to them by their forebears. A person with a profession goes to work every day. He doesn't show up only when he runs out of money; he knows that he needs to tend to his profession consistently. The same is true of our connection to Hashem. We cannot build this connection only by turning to him when we face some kind of problem. We need to practice the "craft," or "profession," of prayer each and every day, even when we have no particular, pressing issue that concerns us. This is what Rashi is teaching us. Beneh Yisrael turned to Hashem in prayer not because they were frightened, but rather because prayer was an "Umanut" – a "profession," something that they knew they must consistently do. And they learned this "profession" from the patriarchs. Abraham prayed even after Sedom was destroyed, when he could no longer save the city. Yishak prayed in the field regularly. And Yaakob prayed before going to sleep. These weren't prayers for help, but rather part of the Abot's ongoing, persistent efforts to build their relationship with Hashem. This is the "profession" that they taught us, and that we must follow. The Lubavitcher Rebbe applied this idea to the Misva of Torah study. This obligation is not limited to practical knowledge. It goes without saying that in order to practice Judaism properly, we must learn and familiarize ourselves with Halacha, and practical Halacha must certainly take priority in our Torah curricula. However, this is not the sole objective of Torah study. We are required to learn as much as we can even about subjects that are not practically applicable. Torah learning is not only about knowledge, but also about our connection to Hashem who gave us the Torah. When we pray and learn Torah not only in moments of need, but with constancy and devotion, we cultivate a living, daily bond with Hashem – and this is the lifelong, sacred "profession" which we've inherited from our righteous forebears.

REM-SS85-08 The Torah tells that as Beneh Yisrael stood at the shores of the sea, and they saw the Egyptian army pursuing them, they cried out to G-d – "Va'yis'aku Beneh Yisrael El Hashem" (14:10). Rashi comments: "Tafesu Umanut Abotam" – "They took hold of their forefathers' craft." Meaning, Beneh Yisrael here followed the example set for them by the patriarchs, who likewise prayed to G-d. Rashi then proceeds to cite verses from the Book of Bereshit showing that the three patriarchs – Abraham, Yishak and Yaakob – prayed. When reading Rashi's brief remark, we must wonder what point he wishes to make, which difficulty in the text he is trying to resolve. Why must we be informed that Beneh Yisrael's prayers at the shores of the sea followed the patriarchs' example? How does this enhance our understanding of the text? Probing a bit deeper, Rashi's comments become even more perplexing. As mentioned, Rashi cites verses that speak of the patriarchs praying. Surprisingly, however, Rashi specifically does not cite the more obvious sources of the patriarchs' prayers. Instead of pointing to Abraham's prayer on behalf of the city of Sedom, Rashi instead brings the verse that tells of Abraham returning the next day to the spot where he had prayed for Sedom (Bereshit 19:27). Instead of noting Yishak's prayer for a child, Rashi instead cites the Torah's vague description of Yishak "conversing" in the field (Bereshit 24:63), which the Sages interpret as a reference to prayer. And instead of mentioning Yaakob's plea for help when Esav was approaching with an army, Rashi brings the verse that tells of Yaakob's evening "encounter" ("Va'yifga" – 28:11), which is understood to mean that he prayed. Why did Rashi not cite the clearest references to the patriarchs' prayers? More generally, why did Rashi need to bring textual proof to the fact that our righteous Abot (patriarchs) prayed? Do we not already know this? The Lubavitcher Rebbe (Rav Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 1902-1994) answered all these questions by establishing that Beneh Yisrael's cries were not actual cries for help. We must remember that these events transpired after G-d had brought the powerful Egyptian Empire to its knees with ten miraculous plagues, after Moshe had informed the people that G-d was bringing them to their homeland, and after they had taken the Egyptians' possessions with them to bring to the Holy Land. They knew that G-d would help them and save them from the pursuing Egyptian army. They did not have a doubt. (Although the Torah relates that the people turned to Moshe in panic, asking why he had taken them out of Egypt to perish, Rashi explains that this was a different group than the group who responded by praying.) They had complete faith in G-d. This was the point that Rashi wished to clarify – that the people prayed even though they were confident that they would be saved. These prayers were not a prayer for help, for rather "Umanut Abotam" – the "craft" taught to them by their forebears. A person with a profession goes to work every day. He doesn't show up only when he runs out of money; he knows that he needs to tend to his profession consistently. The same is true of our connection to Hashem. We cannot build this connection only by turning to him when we face some kind of problem. We need to practice the "craft," or "profession," of prayer each and every day, even when we have no particular, pressing issue that concerns us. This is what Rashi is teaching us. Beneh Yisrael turned to Hashem in prayer not because they were frightened, but rather because prayer was an "Umanut" – a "profession," something that they knew they must consistently do. And they learned this "profession" from the patriarchs. Abraham prayed even after Sedom was destroyed, when he could no longer save the city. Yishak prayed in the field regularly. And Yaakob prayed before going to sleep. These weren't prayers for help, but rather part of the Abot's ongoing, persistent efforts to build their relationship with Hashem. This is the "profession" that they taught us, and that we must follow. The Lubavitcher Rebbe applied this idea to the Misva of Torah study. This obligation is not limited to practical knowledge. It goes without saying that in order to practice Judaism properly, we must learn and familiarize ourselves with Halacha, and practical Halacha must certainly take priority in our Torah curricula. However, this is not the sole objective of Torah study. We are required to learn as much as we can even about subjects that are not practically applicable. Torah learning is not only about knowledge, but also about our connection to Hashem who gave us the Torah. When we pray and learn Torah not only in moments of need, but with constancy and devotion, we cultivate a living, daily bond with Hashem – and this is the lifelong, sacred "profession" which we've inherited from our righteous forebears.

Discover why faith in your mind is only the beginning—and what's blocking it from reaching your heart.This week's Torah portion, Parshas Bo, reveals a profound three-level framework for understanding emunah (faith): mind, heart, and reflex. While intellectual belief comes easily—even Esav achieved it—transferring that faith into your emotions and instincts is the real spiritual work of a lifetime.What was Pharaoh actually trying to do to the Jewish people? Drawing on teachings from the Arizal and classical Torah sources, this episode uncovers a surprising connection: Mitzrayim (Egypt) comes from "mitzar"—a narrow passage. Paro relates to "orif"—the back of the neck. The Egyptian exile was designed to block the vital pathway between knowing and feeling.Explore why tefillin serves as the perfect antidote, binding us at both mind and heart. Learn why we place the arm-tefillin first—reminding us the heart is the destination. Through Torah commentary and a remarkable true story about a young man whose reflexes aligned perfectly with Divine will, discover practical wisdom for spiritual growth.For anyone seeking to move beyond intellectual Judaism into lived faith.

התוכן עמ"ש בגמ' [ורש"י מביאו בשישי דפ' ויחי] "יעקב אבינו לא מת" שואל ר"נ "וכי בכדי ספדו ספדנייא וחנטו חנטייא וקברו קברייא א"ל [ר"י] מקרא אני דורש. . מקיש הוא לזרעו מה זרעו בחיים אף הוא בחיים". החידוש כאן הוא ש"יעקב לא מת" גם בגופו, ולכן לא שאלו למה לא מצינו ענין זה אצל אברהם ויצחק, כי זה מובן (גם) מעצמו ‏–‏ דוקא אצל יעקב ש"מטתו שלימה" היו כל חלקי גופו, כולל החלקים שממנו נולדים ילדים, בחיים, אלא שאלו "וכי בכדי וכו'". אלא דצ"ע איך מתורצת השאלה ע"י הפסוק? רש"י פי' ע"ז "דסבורין היו [החונטים] שמת", אבל הרי הרגישו שגופו חי?! והביאור: אף שהרגישו חיות בגופו אז, חנטו אותו כי היו בטוחים שמפני ד"שכיחא היזיקא" לא שייך שכל זרעו יהיו בחיים לעולם, ובמילא גם אצלו יהי' ענין המיתה, ולא ידעו הבטחת הנביא ש"מה זרעו בחיים" ‏–‏ שכל זרעו יהיו חיים לעולם, ובמילא "אף הוא בחיים" לעולם (גם בגופו)! ב' חלקים מהתוועדות כ"ף מנחם-אב ה'תשל"א ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-01-2026 Synopsis The Gemara states that Rabbi Yitzchak said to Rav Nachman, “Rabbi Yochanan said as follows: “Yaakov Avinu did not die” (as Rashi cites in shishi of parashas Vayechi), to which Rav Nachman asked: “Was it for nothing that the eulogizers eulogized him, the embalmers embalmed him, and the buriers buried him?” Rabbi Yitzchak replied: “I am interpreting a verse…Yaakov is juxtaposed to his offspring: Just as his offspring is alive, he too is alive.” The novelty here is that even Yaakov's body “did not die.” This explains why Rav Nachman isn't bothered by the fact that Rav Yitzchak says that only Yaakov Avinu did not die, and not Avraham and Yitzchak: since only Yaakov's “bed was complete,” it emerges that all parts of his body, including the parts embodied in his children, remained alive; therefore, it was obvious that only Yaakov, and not Avraham and Yitzchak (from whom Yishmael and Esav emerged) remained alive. Rather, the question was, if Yaakov was alive, why did they embalm him etc.? Rabbi Yitzchak replies that he is “interpreting a verse,” but how does the verse resolve the question? Rashi explains that “They (the embalmers) thought he had died,” but seemingly, if they embalmed his body, they would have seen that it was still alive? The answer is that they saw that he was alive at the time, but they believed it was impossible that all his descendants would remain alive forever; therefore, they believed that he, too, would eventually die, and they prepared for that by preserving his body. But they weren't aware of the Navi's promise that “his offspring is alive” forever, which means that “he too is alive” forever.2 excerpts from farbrengen of 20 Menachem-Av 5731 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-01-2026

What is the Jewish response to existential threat? Is political activism, investment in physical security and self protection the Jewish response? Is increased prayer and good deeds enough, to the exclusion of all else?Using the biblical record of Yaakov's response to Esav in his moment of danger, the Purim story, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe's response to the 1954 massacre in Kfar Chabad, we explore when it is a time to grieve, when it is a time to pray, and when it is a time to mobilize to confront the realities of our world.Episode dedicated to the Refuah Sheleima, the complete healing, of Yehudah Leib Ben Manya._____To inquire about sponsorship & advertising opportunities, please email us at info@humanandholy.comTo support our work, visit humanandholy.com/sponsor.Find us on Instagram @humanandholy & subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all our upcoming conversations ✨Human & Holy podcast is available on all podcast streaming platforms. New episodes every Sunday & Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

Given 12/24/2025 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin torahthinking.org

Given 12/24/2025 by Rabbi Mendel Kessin torahthinking.org

Riding the New Wave into the holiday break, with this epic mix of 80s alternative and club anthems. Tracklist for December 17, 2025 01 :: Xymox - Blind Hearts 02 :: When In Rome - The Promise (O.N. Mix) 03 :: Industry - State Of The Nation 04 :: Depeche Mode - I Just Can't Get Enough (Schizo Mix) 05 :: Torch Song - Prepare To Energize (The Fong Test) 06 :: Esavù - Sia-Sioù (Breakin' Up) (Club Version) 07 :: Mya & The Mirror - Hesitation 08 :: Yoko Ono - Walking On Thin Ice (Re-Edit) 09 :: Play By Numbers - Cloud Nine (Ready Mix) 10 :: Data ...

התוכן עה"פ בתחילת פ' וישב "וישב יעקב גו' אלה תולדות יעקב יוסף וגו'" מביא רש"י שכאשר "יעקב ראה כל האלופים [של עשו] הכתובים למעלה תמה ואמר מי יכול לכבוש את כולן?! מה כתיב למטה – אלה תולדות יעקב יוסף, וכתיב והי' בית יעקב אש ובית יוסף להבה ובית עשו לקש – ניצוץ יוצא מיוסף שמכלה ושורף הכל". וההוראה: כאשר רואים את חושך הגלות הכפול והמכופל נשאלת השאלה איך אפשר להתמודד עם זה? הנה יש לדעת שבכאו"א יש את הענין של "יוסף" שבכוחו שורף את חומת הגלות וכו'. ועד"ז בעבודתו של כאו"א בעצמו, שאינו מתפעל מ"גויים" ו"גויאישקייט", מפני שהוא יודע את האמת ש"בית יעקב לאש ובית יוסף להבה ובית עשו לקש"! ועי"ז מתמלאה בקשתו של יעקב ש"ביקש .. לישב בשלוה" (כמ"ש רש"י עה"פ וישב יעקב), בגאולה האמיתית והשלימה כאשר "ועלו מושיעים בהר ציון לשפוט את הר עשו והיתה לה' המלוכה". משיחת י"ט כסלו ה'תשמ"ג ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-12-2025 Synopsis On the verse at the beginning of parashas Vayeishev, “And Yaakov settled…These are the descendants of Yaakov: Yosef…”, Rashi states that when “Yaakov saw all the chieftains [of Esav] written above, he wondered and said, ‘Who can conquer them all?' What is written afterwards? ‘These are the descendants of Yaakov: Yosef…', and it says, ‘The house of Yaakov will be a fire, the house of Yosef a flame, and the house of Esav will be straw' – a spark will come forth from Yosef that will destroy and consume them all.” The lesson is that when one sees the doubled and redoubled darkness of exile, and he wonders, how can we confront it, the answer is: One must know that within every Jew there is “Yosef,” with the power to burn down the wall of exile etc. Similarly in one's personal divine service, he is not intimidated by the goyim or by goyishkeit, because he knows the truth – that “The house of Yaakov is fire, the house of Yosef a flame, and the house of Esav is straw.” In this way, Yaakov's request to “dwell in tranquility” is fulfilled (as Rashi says on the verse), with the true and complete Redemption, when “Deliverers will ascend Mount Tzion to judge the mount of Esav, and the kingship will be Hashem's.”Excerpt from sichah of 19 Kislev 5743 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=12-12-2025 לזכות שטערנא שרה בת מושקא שתחי' ליום ההולדת שלה כ"ב כסלו - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

The opening verse of Parashat Vayesheb introduces the story of Yosef by saying, "Vayesheb Yaakob Be'eretz Megureh Abib, Be'eretz Kena'an" – "Yaakob dwelled in the land when his father had lived, in the land of Canaan." The question arises as to why the Torah found it necessary to inform us that Yaakob lived in the Land of Israel (known then as Canaan). While it is true that Yaakob had spent twenty years outside the land, with his uncle in Haran, we already read in last week's Parasha, Parashat Vayishlah, of Yaakob's return to the Land of Israel, and of his experiences there. Why, then, do we need to be told again that he lived in Canaan? Moreover, we must ask why the Torah emphasizes here that this is the land where Yaakob's father, Yishak, had lived. We are well aware of the fact that Yishak had lived in Israel, and we know that even when famine struck the land, and he began journeying toward Egypt – just as his father, Abraham Abinu, had done in a time of famine – G-d appeared to him and commanded him to remain in the land and not to go to Egypt (Bereshit 26:2-3). Why, then, does the Torah find it necessary to mention that the Land of Israel was "Eretz Megureh Abib" – the land where Yishak had lived? The Ramban answers these questions by explaining that the word "Megureh" stems from the word "Ger" – "foreigner." The Torah isn't telling us that Yaakob lived in Canaan – but rather that he lived as a "Ger," as a foreigner, under the rule of the Canaanite tribes, just as his father had. This reality fulfilled G-d's prophecy to Abraham Abinu that his descendants would live as foreigners, in a land governed by others – "Ki Ger Yiheyeh Zar'acha Ba'aretz Lo Lahem" (Bereshit 15:13). Abraham's descendants would live as foreigners for 210 years in Egypt – but this prophecy actually began immediately with the birth of Yishak, who lived as a foreigner in the land of Canaan, as Yaakob did, until going to Egypt at the very end of his life. The reason this is emphasized here, the Ramban explains, is for the sake of contrasting Yaakob with his brother, Esav. The previous section – the end of Parashat Vayishlah – elaborates at great length on Esav's progeny, how he settled in the region of Edom and established there a large empire. Esav enjoyed all the comforts of freedom and sovereignty, establishing a kingdom swiftly and easily. Yaakob, meanwhile, remained in his homeland, in the Land of Israel, where he lived as a foreigner. It would be centuries later that Yaakob's descendants, Beneh Yisrael, would – after many difficult battles – establish their kingdom in their homeland. The Ramban writes that the Torah mentions this "to tell that they [Yishak and Yaakob] chose to live in the chosen land, and that through them [the prophecy of] 'for your offspring shall be foreigners in a land not theirs' was fulfilled." As opposed to Esav, Yaakob – like his father – preferred living in the Promised Land, in the sacred Land of Israel, even under less-than-ideal conditions, rather than enjoy the comforts and conveniences that were available elsewhere. Yaakob chose a life of meaning and purpose over a life of comfort and convenience. He understood that we are brought here to this world to live meaningfully, to pursue meaningful goals and achievements, and not to enjoy vain pleasures. And so he preferred basking in the sanctity of the Land of Israel over an easier life elsewhere. Life as a Torah Jew isn't always easy – because the goal is to live with meaning and purpose, which takes hard work and sacrifice. We, the descendants of Yaakob Abinu, must follow his example of choosing a life of Kedusha and purpose over a life of comfort and convenience.

If someone walked up to you and asked, “So… what actually makes you Jewish?” — how would you answer?In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most fundamental — and most misunderstood — questions of Jewish identity. Through the story of Yaakov and Esav, the mysterious struggle in Rivka's womb, the meaning of the blessings, and the battle that happens inside every one of us, we uncover what it truly means to be part of the Jewish people.This is an episode about essence, destiny, and the quiet voice inside that knows who you really are.

In the beginning of this week's Parashat Vayishlach, Ya'akov Avinu is preparing to confront Esav, who wanted to kill him. Rashi tells us that Ya'akov prepared himself in three ways: sending gifts, praying, and strategizing for a potential battle. Why did Rashi list them in this order—placing tefillah second, between sending gifts and preparing for war? The Be'era Parashah explains that Rashi is teaching a fundamental principle about tefillah. Hashem built into the nature of the world that prayer works. And just as giving gifts and preparing for war are normal hishtadlut that people do, so too tefillah operates within the natural order. It is not considered miraculous to have prayers answered. For this reason, the Maharsha writes that although the Gemara teaches that a miracle performed for a person can deduct from his merits, anything attained through tefillah—even the greatest salvations—does not take away any merits, because tefillah is never considered a miracle. This understanding should give us tremendous chizuk. The answering of tefillah is part of how the world was created to function. Tefillot are so powerful that they can change decrees no matter how impossible the odds may appear. Chazal tell us that in Shamayim it had been decreed that Esav would marry Le'ah and Ya'akov would marry Rachel—"the older for the older, and the younger for the younger." The Alshich adds that Le'ah had four overwhelming hurdles preventing her from marrying Ya'akov. First, the heavenly decree had designated her for Esav. Second, the Pasuk testifies to Rachel's beauty. Third, the Pasuk tells us that Ya'akov loved Rachel. And fourth, Ya'akov worked for seven years for Rachel and took great precautions not to be deceived by Lavan. Yet Le'ah prayed so intensely, so persistently, with so many tears that her eyes became tender. And through those tefillot, she overturned the decree and all the natural odds. Chazal say that the greatness of tefillah is such that not only did Le'ah avoid marrying Esav, she even preceded Rachel to marry Ya'akov. And because of those same tefillot, she gave birth to six of the twelve Shevatim—the Bechor, the Kehunah, the Levi'im, the Meluchah, and the lineage of Mashiah—all emerging from her prayers. The Pasuk in Parashat Vayera says that the angels were sent to destroy Sedom while Avraham was still standing before Hashem. The next Pasuk tells us that Avraham prayed for Sedom to be spared. The Seforno explains: even though the decree had already been issued and the angels had already arrived in Sedom, Avraham still prayed, because he understood the ways of Hashem. As Chazal tell us Even if a sharp sword is already touching a person's neck, he should still pray, because tefillah can work no matter how desperate the situation seems. This past year, a woman received the difficult news that she had a tumor, lo 'alenu. At that time, she strengthened herself in guarding her speech and devoted herself to encouraging others to do the same. She was told that she would need the strongest form of chemotherapy. The doctors warned her of every side effect—especially that it was absolutely guaranteed she would lose all her hair. She asked them if there was anything at all she could do to avoid this. Their answer was clear: with the dosage she required, there was a one-hundred-percent certainty she would lose every strand. But she strengthened herself with the knowledge that with Hashem, nothing is fixed. She poured her heart into tefillah—not only for a full recovery, but also that she should not lose any of her hair. Today, Baruch Hashem the tumor has been completely removed. And amazingly, she did not lose even one strand of hair throughout the entire process. The doctors had no explanation. But the explanation is clear. She prayed to the Creator of the world—the One Who decides whether hair falls out or remains. Tefillah is wondrous, and Hashem created it to work as part of the natural order of the world. The more a person recognizes Hashem's power and involvement in every aspect of his life, the deeper, stronger, and more effective his tefillah becomes. Shabbat shalom.

In Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov returns home after 20 years with the wicked Laban and immediately sends real angels as messengers to his murderous brother Esav, prefacing their message with the cryptic line “Im Lavan garti” – “With Laban I sojourned.” Rashi reveals the hidden code: the word “garti” (גרתי) has the numerical value of 613 (תרי״ג), meaning “Even while living with the evil Laban, I kept all 613 mitzvos and never learned from his wicked ways.” Yaakov is teaching every Jew for all time: no matter how far away you are, no matter how hostile the environment, the Torah is the ultimate protective shield that preserves and elevates your soul. As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declared: “When you stay firm in Torah study every single day, there is nothing in the world that can take you down.”The parsha's eternal message is crystallized in the Friday-night blessing we give our children: “Yisimcha Elokim k'Ephraim v'chi'Menashe” – may God make you like Ephraim and Menashe, the only two tribal ancestors raised in decadent, idolatrous Egypt yet who grew into pure tzaddikim. Why them? Because wherever our children end up – Houston, Memphis, Vegas, or the middle of nowhere – they may not have a yeshiva, a kosher restaurant, or even a minyan, but they will always have the Torah. As Rabbi Wolbe summed up: “The Torah is the blueprint of the world… and when you live with that blueprint, no darkness can touch you.” Yaakov, Ephraim, and Menashe all proved that one Jew + one Torah = unstoppable light._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #JewishWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth, #Angels, #jacob ★ Support this podcast ★

In Parshas Vayishlach, Yaakov returns home after 20 years with the wicked Laban and immediately sends real angels as messengers to his murderous brother Esav, prefacing their message with the cryptic line “Im Lavan garti” – “With Laban I sojourned.” Rashi reveals the hidden code: the word “garti” (גרתי) has the numerical value of 613 (תרי״ג), meaning “Even while living with the evil Laban, I kept all 613 mitzvos and never learned from his wicked ways.” Yaakov is teaching every Jew for all time: no matter how far away you are, no matter how hostile the environment, the Torah is the ultimate protective shield that preserves and elevates your soul. As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declared: “When you stay firm in Torah study every single day, there is nothing in the world that can take you down.”The parsha's eternal message is crystallized in the Friday-night blessing we give our children: “Yisimcha Elokim k'Ephraim v'chi'Menashe” – may God make you like Ephraim and Menashe, the only two tribal ancestors raised in decadent, idolatrous Egypt yet who grew into pure tzaddikim. Why them? Because wherever our children end up – Houston, Memphis, Vegas, or the middle of nowhere – they may not have a yeshiva, a kosher restaurant, or even a minyan, but they will always have the Torah. As Rabbi Wolbe summed up: “The Torah is the blueprint of the world… and when you live with that blueprint, no darkness can touch you.” Yaakov, Ephraim, and Menashe all proved that one Jew + one Torah = unstoppable light._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 5, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #JewishWisdom, #SpiritualGrowth, #Angels, #jacob ★ Support this podcast ★

In Parshat Vayishlach, Yaakov embraces diplomacy eith Esav while Shimon and Levi choose confrontation with Shechem. What determines the difference? Rabbi Dunner explores the Torah's two models for responding to danger, and how these ancient principles illuminate Israel's dilemmas today — from the Abraham Accords to October 7th. When do we make peace, and when must we wage war?

Vayishlach | 5786 | Thus says the Lord God Concerning Edom, by Rav Eli Weber What was Esav's plan? Who is Edom?

When Yaakob heard that his brother, Esav, was approaching with a militia of 400 men, he offered an impassioned prayer to G-d, begging for help. He cried, "Hasileni Na Mi'yad Ahi Mi'yad Esav" – "Save me, please, from my brother, from Esav" (32:12). A famous insight into this verse was offered by the Bet Ha'levi (Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik of Brisk, 1820-1892), one which is worth our while to review and ponder. The Bet Ha'levi noted that Yaakob asked G-d to protect him from both "Esav" and from "my brother." Of course, these seem to be one and the same. But the Bet Ha'levi explains that this refers to two different threats that Yaakob feared. The first and more obvious threat was that posed by "Esav" – the violent, evil man who hated Yaakob for having taken his blessing, and sought to kill him. Esav's hostility and violent character posed a clear and present danger. But Yaakob also feared the opposite prospect – that Esav would come as "my brother," with love and affection. This, too, presented a danger, albeit a much different form of danger – a spiritual danger. When the gentile nations treat us as "brothers," inviting us to closely interact with them, we risk becoming like them, of exchanging our traditional beliefs, values and practices for their culture. Whereas "Esav" threatens our physical existence, "my brother" threatens our spiritual existence. The Gemara tells that King Ahashverosh despised the Jews no less than Haman. When Haman presented to the king his idea to annihilate the Jews, and offered to pay for it, Ahashverosh responded that to the contrary, he would pay Haman to do this, because he wanted the Jews killed. The Gemara draws an analogy to a person with a large mound of dirt on his property which he wanted to get rid of, and he is approached by another person who has a large hole on his property which he wished to fill. The person with the hole in the ground offers to pay the other person for his mound of dirt – but the one with the mound of dirt is prepared to pay him to remove it. Likewise, Haman was willing to pay Ahashverosh to annihilate the Jews, but Ahashverosh was prepared to pay Haman to get rid of them. But when we read the Megilla, we do not get the impression that Ahashverosh disliked the Jews. To the contrary, he invited them to his feast, and they happily participated. In truth, however, this was no less sinister a plot than Haman's plan to murder the Jews. Haman approached the Jewish People as "Esav," whereas Ahashverosh approached them as "my brother," inviting them to assimilate and embrace the Persian culture, values and lifestyle. Returning to the story of Yaakob and Esav, the Torah tells that when they finally reunited, Esav embraced Yaakob and kissed him. However, one view in the Midrash, as Rashi (33:4) cites, explains that Esav first tried to bite Yaakob's neck. Hashem performed a miracle, making Yaakob's neck hard as marble, such that Esav's teeth could not penetrate it. Esav then kissed him. He at first tried to hurt Yaakov with hostility and violence, and when this failed, he resorted to the tactic of "my brother," by showing love and affection, hoping to lure Yaakob away from his beliefs and values. We must stand guard against both dangers. In a time of growing antisemitism, we must of course remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect ourselves. No less importantly, however, we must protect ourselves from the lure of assimilation. The United States offers us freedom and equality, treating us no differently than any other group in this country. This is, undoubtedly, a wonderful blessing for which we must be grateful, as it has allowed us to build communities such as ours and practice our religion without fear. At the same time, however, the freedoms have wrought a spiritual catastrophe, pulling a frighteningly high percentage of Jews away from their heritage. The American Jew's freedom to fully participate in American culture and society entices him to abandon his traditions in favor of the values and lifestyle of the people around us, and too many have fallen prey to this temptation. We need to ensure that our enjoyment of the wonderful freedoms granted us by this country does not result in our rejection of our traditions. And we do this through our community institutions, through our schools, synagogues, yeshivot and programs, which help solidify our identity as Torah Jews, an identity that we continue to wear with pride and conviction even as we participate in and interact with the general society.

We are celebrating the Rebbe & Rebbetzins 90th Wedding Anniversary! In this Sicha we learn about the Teshuva accomplished by a wedding, based off the wedding of Esav to Yishmae'ls daughter. Like Yom Kippur, a wedding brings Kaparah through either a) the marriage itself b) the wedding inspires the person to do Teshuva or c) the specialness of the Mitzvah/Moment motivates you. The Torah uses Esav's wedding to teach us about Teshuva - Esav is not perfect by any means, but he is a Yid and the wedding sparks our neshamos, all of us - no matter our level. We can use the koach of 14 Kislev to apply this to us in our daily avodah. Marriage between man & woman has a purpose of Peru Urevu. Marriage of Hashem and Yidden has a purpose of Torah, Mitzvos. When you teach someone to do a mitzvah, mekarev another with coming closer to Torah, Mitzvos or Yidden, these are peiros of peru urevu. We live now in disorderly times, the world is crazy - if something comes your way - just grab it! (ie Dorm Food Mentality). "A chassid is like a soccer player, if the ball comes your way, you gotta kick it!" We have to save neshamos! I commit. Hashem kicks in. My commitment = wedding day. This commitment = uplifts, give koach, enables me to be more committed. This brings a cycle of Koach! But I might think: what about me, im not great enough..im really low - your past doesnt matter (Esav)! I make it my business to commit to Hashems work and the Rebbes directives of doing my shlichus, and Hashem will uplift and empower! And this will bring about the complete marriage between Hashem & the Yidden with Moshiach!

Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★

Parshas Toldos is the ultimate masterclass in parenting, love, perseverance, and the eternal tug-of-war between heaven and earth. When Rivka feels her twins fighting in the womb, she is terrified that she is carrying one confused child who is pulled toward both holiness and idolatry. The prophet calms her with the shocking news: “Shnei goyim b'vitnech – two nations are in your womb.” Instead of despairing, she is relieved. Why? Because, as Rabbi Wolbe explains, “the benefit and greatness of Yaakov is so immense that it will supersede all the negative that she will ever experience from Esav.” One pure Yaakov is worth more than all the damage a thousand Esavs can do.The Torah then paints a seemingly troubling picture: “Isaac loved Esav because he put game in his mouth, but Rivka loved Yaakov.” How can holy parents play favorites? The answer redefines love itself: “Love is not finding similarities — love is seeing the potential in the other person and connecting to that.” Isaac gazed at wild, powerful Esav and thought, “If this explosive energy is ever channeled for good, he could move mountains.” Rivka looked at quiet, tent-dwelling Yaakov and saw pure, undiluted holiness already shining. Both parents loved both sons — they simply poured their energy into the child whose hidden potential moved them the most. This becomes the model for all healthy parenting and marriage: every child is your favorite — favorite scholar, favorite artist, favorite comedian, favorite mensch — because “each one is uniquely different… you're not comparing apples to apples, you're comparing apples to oranges to bananas.”For 63 long years Yaakov lives in his wicked brother's shadow. Esav hunts, flatters, and cleverly asks questions like “How do you tithe salt?” just to appear pious and win Isaac's heart. Yaakov, meanwhile, clings only to the “heel” of spirituality — always second place, always doubting, always wondering, “Maybe my father is right and I'm wrong.” Yet he never once compromises. At 63 he finally cooks the lentil stew that wins the blessings, proving that “spiritual growth is always at the heel — slow, painful, and full of doubt — but the tzaddik never quits.” As Rabbi Wolbe powerfully declares: “Quitters always finish first. If you want to win, you can't quit — ever.” And again: “The natural state of a tzaddik is to fall seven times… but the falling is not what we emphasize — it's the getting back up.”The parsha ends with two beautiful side lessons. First, Eliezer (from the cursed lineage of Canaan) is rejected as a match for Isaac, yet when he remains loyally devoted to Avraham despite the insult, Hashem rewards him with kfitzas haderech — miraculous instant travel reserved only for the righteous. Loyalty and perseverance turn even a “cursed” person into a tzaddik. Second, the same dynamic of “investing in the child who needs it most” repeats with Yaakov and Yosef: Yaakov favors Yosef not out of nepotism, but because he sees the unimaginable trials awaiting him in Egypt and knows, “This one is going to need extra love to survive and triumph.”_____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on November 25, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on December 3, 2025_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Prayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Genesis, #ParentalLove, #Resilience, #Family, #Rebecca, #Isaac, #Esau, #Jacob, #Potential, #Growth, #Yetzirah, #EvilInclination, #Choices, #Challenges, #Yosef, #Destiny, #Potential, #JewishHistory, #Mitzrayim, #Trials, #Yitzchak, #Complexity, #Struggle ★ Support this podcast ★

Jacob finds himself alone and in a precarious position while he anticipates meeting his twin brother after 20 years. Esav is on his way towards him with 400 men and there is no indication that it is friendly. Jacob prepares through prayer and pragmatism, but must experience a powerful struggle which will determine how the fateful meeting will unfold. In this episode we examine the struggle and what we can draw from it about being Jewish in the world.

Can confronting ourselves be the key to transformation? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler explore Parshat Vayishlach as a story of identity, fear, and the lifelong struggle to integrate competing parts of the self. They examine Yaakov as the Torah's first refugee, his preparation to meet Esav through prayer, gifts, and readiness for war, and his mysterious night battle—an internal confrontation that leads to the name Yisrael. Through psychological, philosophical, and modern Jewish lenses, they reflect on what it means to live in tension and still keep growing.

This week's haftorah reading is the one-chapter book of Ovadia- a short prophecy of doom predicting the downfall of Esav's descendants at the end of the First Temple period. In this probing conversation with Rabbbanit Nechama Goldman Barash, we explore the gap between Yaakov and Esav's relationship in Breishit with the retrospective depiction of it in later prophetic and midrashic works. This year The Matan Podcast is exploring the weekly Haftorah reading.

Vayetze | Back to Gerar (The Parenthetic Statement), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom How do we explain the references to Avraham having passed away in Beresheet 26 if, as proposed, this narrative cycle took place before Yaakov and Esav were born (i.e. well before Avraham passed on).  As a follow-up to our shiur about Gerar and my argument that the events described in Bereishit 26:1-33 took place during the twenty years of Yitzchak and Rivka's childlessness, several thoughtful and pointed challenges were raised by podcast listeners and participants in the shiur. By surveying and classifying the various types of parenthetic statements in Biblical narrative, we respond to these challenges and, thereby, explain two anomalous verses (v. 15 and v. 18) in the Gerar narrative. Source sheet >>  

When Yaakov arrived at the outskirts of Haran, he saw local shepherds with their herds near the well outside the city. He asked them why they weren't giving their sheep water. The shepherds explained that they could not remove the large, heavy stone from the top of the well. They needed to wait for all the shepherds to assemble at the well so they could together roll the stone off the well. Yaakob then proceeded to the well and, by himself, pushed the stone off so the shepherds could draw water for their flocks. Rashi comments that this episode shows us that Yaakob possessed unique physical strength. We must ask, for what purpose did the Torah tells us about Yaakob Abinu's exceptional strength? What lesson are we to learn from this story? Every person, without any exceptions, has spiritual struggles. And no two people's struggles are the same. Misvot which come easily for one person is a difficult challenge for somebody else. Some people struggle to observe Kashrut, others have a hard time with Shabbat. There are those who have difficulty praying properly, and there are those who find it challenging to observe the Torah's standards of Seniut (modesty). But everyone is struggling with something. This is true even of the great Sadikim. King Shlomo teaches us in Mishleh (24:16), "Ki Sheba Yipol Sadik Ve'kam" – "For a righteous person falls seven times and gets up." Even the righteous fall – and they fall repeatedly. The difference between a righteous person and others is "Ve'kam" – that a Sadik "gets up" each and every time he falls. The wicked person, at a certain point, gives up. He decides not to bother struggling, figuring that it's just too hard for him. An example of this kind of person is Esav, about whom the Torah says, "Ve'hu Ayef" – "and he was tired" (25:29). Esav had the potential for greatness. He was no less capable of being a Sadik than Yaakob was. But he grew "tired" – he decided not to try. The Sadik doesn't get tired. He falls, often, but he keeps getting back up. How does the Sadik do this? What motivates him to keep trying, even after falling multiple times? The answer is found in one of the Birchot Ha'shahar (morning blessings), in which we thank Hashem "Ha'noten La'ya'ef Ko'ah" – "who gives strength to the weary." The Sadik keeps getting back up because he believes that Hashem is helping him and giving him strength. As long as we keep trying, Hashem gives us the abilities we need to eventually succeed. This is the difference between the wicked and the righteous: the wicked person feels powerless, and thus concludes that there is no purpose to continue trying, whereas the righteous person confidently believes that Hashem is giving him the strength he needs to improve. This is the message of the story of Yaakob Abinu's experiences at the well outside Haran. The large stone on the well symbolizes the Yeser Ha'ra, our evil inclination, the difficult – often overwhelming – spiritual challenges that we each face. Like the stone, they seem too big to move, too difficult to handle, too much for us to overcome. The shepherds, like many people, don't bother trying, because they assume they don't have the strength to succeed. Yaakob showed that when one believes in the "Noten La'ya'ef Ko'ah," he is much stronger than he thinks, and he can "remove the stone," and overcome his challenges. We are not expected to be perfect, because we are human beings, and human beings aren't perfect. We are, however, expected to try, and to try again when we don't succeed. We are expected not to grow tired, not to give up, and to instead trust that Hashem is helping us and giving us the strength we need to achieve.

Parshas Toldos: When Nations Stir This week's Parsha brings us into the very beginning of a struggle that started before Yaakov and Esav were even born. Rivkah feels something inside her that no one can explain, leading her to cry out in fear, a moment that opens one of the most meaningful revelations in the Torah. From this inner turmoil comes a story that shapes the destiny of our people: twins drawn to opposite worlds, blessings that determine the future, and a mother who sees the truth long before anyone else. With the Radak's clarity and the Lubavitcher Rebbe's deeper insight, we explore how Rivkah's fear became the first sign of a divine plan already unfolding. It's a Parsha about confusion that becomes clarity, struggle that reveals purpose, and the quiet beginning of a destiny still alive within us.

Was Esav destined to fail or did he fail his destiny?

Two brothers step onto the world's stage and show us two kinds of power. Esau strides forward with muscle and heat, living for the rush of now. Jacob moves quieter but surer, holding fast to covenant and truth. When Isaac mutters, “the voice is Jacob's, but the hands are Esau's,” he leaves us a compass for every age: power that grabs close versus power that travels far. We follow that thread from the birthright and the blessing straight into daily life, where anxiety, headlines, and deadlines test our center.We explore how classic commentators reframe “the voice of Jacob” as more than tone or manners. It's the practice of prayer itself—speech that bridges distances and changes the one who prays. The Midrash argues that when we learn and pray aloud, adversaries lose their edge. That's not magical thinking; it's a way of ordering our world so courage beats panic and purpose outlasts pressure. We also name the modern Edoms that spark fear and ask how a spiritual tool can meet a public storm. The answer returns us to the voice: refine it, use it, and let it do the work hands can't.Then we get practical. Shacharis sets perspective. Maariv settles the night. Mincha—the hardest one to focus on—becomes the secret weapon. The Torah calls Isaac's afternoon prayer “sicha,” conversation, and that word unlocks a daily habit: pause at peak chaos and tell God exactly what's on your plate. We walk through when to insert your own words, how to think specifics inside the blessings, and how a short, honest pour-out can turn stress into strength. If you've struggled to care about Mincha, this simple shift may change your afternoons—and your week.If this resonated, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review with one line on what you'll try at your next Mincha. Your voice might be the nudge someone else needs.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com

This episode discusses what we can learn from how Esav performed Kibud Av Vi'Aim.

Today, we discuss the attitude of Esav vs. the attitude of his brother (Yaakov) and parents (Yitzchak and Rivka). We talk about the importance of seeing each day as an opportunity to further and deepen our connection with the Master of the Universe. Check it out to discover a beautiful story about Rav Yisroel Salanter and the shoemaker who was up late at night.My book on Chanukah -- DOVE TALES (VAYISHALACH ES HAYONAH) -- is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7BzCpaBSubscribe and hit the bell to see new videos!!!#Rabbi #LearnTorah #TorahStudy #Judaism #Jewish #Torah  #Chumash #Parasha #Parsha #Parashat #Gemara #Mussar #Tefilla #Prayer

Yet I Love Yaakov. And I Hated Esav | Toldot | 5786, by Rav Eli Weber Malachi 1:1-2:7. How should we worship God?

Rivkah found out that Esav was planning to kill Yaakov, so she sent him away. What did she hear and how? And what lesson does that contain for us?Gen. 27:41-42 with commentators, Guide 1:65, Pesachim 54b.

Esav and Yaakob are twins who, with all of their differences have striking similarities. The differences between them can be subtle. But they are significant because they define us as a nation. In this episode we discuss the relationship Yaakob and Esav have with time. And how that has direct implications on how we as Jews, see the world and live every day. Link to Podcast mentioned in this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6eVvopDpwg42TxiUMXKPVi?si=rM6ZcVZyQcC260Awdmwsrw

Toldot | The Gerar Conundrum, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What happened during Yitzchak and Rivka's twenty years of childlessness?  In reading through the presentation of Yitzchak's life in Parashat Toldot, there seems to be a disconnect between the opening narratives of the birth and early years of Yaakov and Esav, and the subsequent narrative cycle of Yitzchak and Rivka in Gerar (chapter 26:1-33). We propose what at first seems to be a revolutionary explanation for the puzzles this sequencing raises - but, on further reflection, note that it is built upon an approach that is well-anchored in rabbinic sources. Source sheet >>

Send us a textThe age of Esav

Parashat Toldot - The hidden potential in Esav by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

Shiur given by Rabbi Benzion Brodie on Rabbi Brodie Mussar. Shiur recorded in Yeshivas Ohr Reuven, Monsey, NY.

Before we leave Esav we list his extensive progeny - children, military generals and kings. Esav would appear to have a kingdom that is fully formed, way before Israel become a nation. And that might be the point!I referenced this article in the podcast https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/12/vayishlach-insignificant-verses-really

In our chapter 33, after a nail-biting tense chapter of worried anticipation, Yaakov and Esav meet. But there is little animosity here. There is a hug, a kiss, tears. Like long lost brothers, Esav asks Yaakov about his family, his wivesand kids; Yaakov offers him gifts, Esav suggests that they travel together, Yaakov politely refuses. Where did all the tension go?

Jacob is returning to Canaan. He notifies his brother Esau. HE gets a message: Esav is coming to meet you with 400 men.Yaakov is petrified. He suspects that Esav is coming to massacre him and his household!But when the brothers meet, Esav simply hugs Yaakov and expresses brotherly love.Did Yaakov misunderstand Esav?What is the drama here?

Yaakov and Esav commence their rivalry in the womb. The forces that drive them to conflict seem to operate beyond the rational.Reading the story, why does Isaac love Esav and Rivka love Yaakov?And why do we see Esav as evil. If anything, it is Yaakov who tricks his brother out of the birthright!

Although we are not permitted to hold weddings during these days, Halacha allows a person to become engaged—even on Tisha B'Av itself. The Gemara explains the reason: שמא יקדיםנו אחר —perhaps someone else will marry her first. But the Gemara then raises a question: If a person's zivug is already determined even before conception, how could anyone else take what was destined for someone? The answer: if the other person prays hard enough, he may merit it. From here we learn the incredible power of tefillah: It can change what has already been decreed. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot states that one can pray for the gender of a fetus only until the 40th day after conception. After that point, it is considered a tefillat shav —a vain prayer. However, the Yerushalmi in Berachot writes that even if a woman is already in labor, tefillah can still change the gender of the child. Even though we follow the Bavli and do not pray for a gender change after 40 days, the Sefer Berumo Shel Olam explains that the disagreement is only about whether one may pray for a miracle—but all agree that prayer itself retains the power to change reality, even up to the moment of birth. We find an extraordinary example in the case of Chizkiyahu HaMelech. The Navi Yeshayahu came to him and told him that Hashem had decreed death upon him—because he did not fulfill the mitzvah of peri'ah v'revia , having children. Chizkiyahu, although righteous, had seen through prophecy that he would father a wicked son and therefore refrained from marrying. Despite his reasoning, he was held accountable. Chizkiyahu then asked Yeshayahu if he could marry the prophet's daughter, in the hope that their combined merits would produce righteous children. But Yeshayahu answered: It's too late—the decree has already been sealed. Chizkiyahu turned his face to the wall and poured out his heart in prayer. And indeed, Yeshayahu was immediately told to return and inform the king that Hashem had added fifteen more years to his life. Many ask: Why didn't Yeshayahu know through prophecy that tefillah would change the decree? The Kad HaKemach answers: Tefillah is higher than prophecy. It stems from a level in Shamayim beyond where nevu'ah can reach. Even a prophet cannot see what changes tefillah might bring. Another powerful example is Leah Imeinu. It was decreed before she was born that she would marry Esav. But through heartfelt tefillah, she changed her destiny—and instead married Yaakov Avinu, the Gadol HaDor . The Gemara in Masechet Niddah asks: What can a person do to become wise? It answers: He should study Torah and pray to the One who possesses all wisdom. The Maharsha explains that the question refers to someone whose natural intellect was limited due to a Heavenly decree. Can such a person become wise? The Gemara answers: Yes—if he learns Torah and prays sincerely, even he can attain wisdom. Through Torah and tefillah, one can rise above natural limitations. There is nothing that tefillah cannot accomplish. Therefore, it is our responsibility to use this powerful gift with all our strength. Even if we feel that we've prayed many times and nothing has changed—we must continue. The Gemara tells us, חזק ויאמץ לבך וקוה אל ה —strengthen yourself, and do it again. There is no limit to what effort in tefillah can achieve. We must keep renewing our strength, returning to prayer again and again, pouring out our hearts with sincerity and Emunah.