Podcasts about parashat vayishlach

We mentioned that a person has to be patient when it comes to Hashem. He may have prayed the best tefillot, which may have already been answered, but that does not necessarily mean that he is going to get what he asked for right away. He may have done the greatest act of mesirut nefesh, which is going to bring the salvation he wants, but it may not come immediately or even in the near future. And if we are patient and trust that Hashem will give us what we need at the right time, that will make us great. This does not mean, however, that we shouldn't pray with emunah that Hashem could help us right away. The pasuk says that Hashem is the King who answers us " ביום קראנו ," on the day that we call out. Sometimes a person is in need of an immediate yeshu'ah, and he is encouraged to pray with emunah that this can happen. In this week's parasha , Vayishlach , Yaakov was told that Esav was charging towards him with an army, aiming to kill him. Yaakov needed an immediate salvation, and he called out to Hashem from the depths of his heart. Although he felt unworthy of being helped, as is the way of tzaddikim, who always ask for a divine favor, he did mention that Hashem had promised him to do good for him. Yaakov tried to gain the merit of extra zechuyot to help him in his time of need. And indeed, Hashem saved him in a miraculous way. A man who we will call Shlomo told me the following story. He was learning in a yeshiva in the mountains, and he wanted to go to a wedding that a rabbi of his was making in Brooklyn. He found a ride to the wedding, but didn't have a ride back. He said to himself that it's important to attend this wedding, because he had so much hakarat hatov to this rabbi, and he would somehow figure out a way to get back. So he took the ride and went to the wedding. Towards the end of the wedding, he went outside the hall hoping to find a ride to a place where there were constant minyanim, called Shomer Shabbos. And from there, he hoped to find someone driving to the mountains. He saw a car pull up, and he and a couple of friends asked the driver for a ride. He happily took them. While they were in the car, Shlomo asked the driver if perhaps he would be going to the mountains. Amazingly, he said he needed to go there the next morning early to appear in court over a ticket he got that past summer. Shlomo was so excited and asked if he could come along. The driver said it would be his pleasure. The only problem was, Shlomo didn't have a place to stay overnight, so he hinted to the driver. The man invited Shlomo to sleep at his house and was very hospitable. The next morning they were off. The host asked Shlomo in the car if he heard the phone ringing in the middle of the night. Shlomo said he didn't. The man explained that he had gotten a phone call from the hospital saying his mother-in-law's numbers went down significantly, and they thought she only had a few hours left to live. They told him and his family to come in right away to say goodbye. This was obviously very disheartening news. The host and his family got up and began getting dressed. He then remembered he was supposed to drive Shlomo to the mountains. He turned to Hashem and said, "Please, Hashem, I want to drive this boy so he can go learn Torah in his yeshiva. Please enable me to have the zechut of driving him." A few minutes later, the doctor called back and said they didn't need to come in. The numbers just went back up and she was okay. Here, they needed an immediate yeshu'ah, and baruch Hashem, they got it. In general, we must be patient when it comes to seeing salvations from our deeds and tefillot, but at the same time, we must pray with the emunah that Hashem could always help us on the spot. Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Vayishlach

R.Y.Piha

n Tisha B'Ab, as we know, we observe a fast and mourn the destruction of the Bet Ha'mikdash. Although this calamity occurred many generations after the Torah was given, nevertheless, the day of Tisha B'Ab – like everything else – has a source in the Torah. This source is revealed to us by the Zohar, in Parashat Vayishlach, where it teaches that the 365 days of the solar year correspond to the 365 Misvot Lo Ta'aseh – prohibitions introduced by the Torah. Each day of the solar calendar is associated with a different Biblical prohibition. And the day of Tisha B'Ab, the Zohar writes, corresponds to the prohibition of "Gid Ha'nasheh," which forbids partaking of a certain sinew of animals. This prohibition commemorates the incident that occurred when Yaakob Abinu was on his way back to Eretz Yisrael after having spent twenty years with his uncle. On the night before he crossed the river into the Land of Israel, he was attacked by a mysterious assailant, identified by the Sages as the Satan, the angel of Esav. Yaakob ultimately prevailed, but suffered an injury in his Gid Ha'nasheh. In commemoration of this struggle, we refrain from eating the Gid Ha'nasheh of animals. The Zohar teaches us that this prohibition corresponds with Tisha B'Ab. Just as this command requires us to refrain from eating something to commemorate a foreigner's attack that caused Yaakob a painful injury, on Tisha B'Ab we refrain from eating to commemorate the pain and suffering caused by our enemies on this day. The Hatam Sofer (Rav Moshe Sofer, Pressburg, 1762-1839) develops the Zohar's teaching further, establishing that this fight between Yaakob and Esav's angel actually took place on the night of Tisha B'Ab. That night set the precedent for what would happen many centuries later, when, like then, our enemy would come and deal a painful blow. If so, then we can perhaps understand an otherwise peculiar aspect of the Torah's description of the events of that night when the angel attacked Yaakob. The Torah relates that on this night, Yaakob brought all his belongings across the river, to the other side ("Va'ya'aber Et Asher Lo" – Bereshit 32:24). Afterward, he was left alone on his side, and he came under attack. Rashi explains this verse to mean, "He made himself like a bridge, taking from here and placing it here." We must wonder, why is this important? Why did the Torah find it necessary to inform us that Yaakob formed a "bridge" over the river, bringing his possessions from one side to the next? The answer is that this "bridge" is the secret for how we defeat "Esav" and recover from the destruction and exile that he brings upon us. In Yaakob's famous dream, he saw a ladder extending from the ground – from the site of the Bet Ha'mikdash – to the heavens. This is what the Bet Ha'mikdash represents – connecting the earth to the heavens, infusing our physical world and our physical reality with sanctity, with spiritual meaning. Offering an animal as a sacrifice means taking a physical entity and making it sacred, which is precisely the way we are supposed to live. This is what the Bet Ha'mikdash represented, and this is the symbolic meaning of Yaakob forming a "bridge" for his material possessions. When he brought his assets across the river to Eretz Yisrael, he was showing us what religious life means – infusing our physical, worldly existence with holiness. This is the significance of Yaakob's "bridge" – bridging the gap between heaven and earth, between the sacred and the mundane, between the spiritual and the physical. On that night of Tisha B'Ab, which established this occasion as a time of exile, suffering and calamity, Yaakob showed us how we can bring an end to our troubles and earn redemption. In order to be worthy of the Bet Ha'mikdash, we need to work to make this connection between heaven and earth, between our physical reality and Kedusha. We need to infuse our mundane activities with spiritual meaning, by directing everything we do toward Torah and Misvot. We do this by going about all our activities in strict adherence to Halacha, and by devoting time and resources for sacred purposes. By elevating our worldly existence, and injecting it with holiness, we form the "bridge" that will lead us to the rebuilding of the Bet Ha'mikdash, speedily and in our times, Amen.

We are now in Pesukim of Bitachon that start with the letter Tet . This one, Tehilim 118,8 is found in Hallel , so we can apply it this week. ט֗וֹב לַחֲס֥וֹת בַּיהֹוָ֑ה מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ בָּאָדָֽם׃ It's better to seek refuge in Hashem then rely on man . The obvious question is, Of course you're better off relying on God than relying on people! Rav Yosef Trani, in the Derashot Maharit on Parashat Vayishlach (second derush ), makes an important point in the difference between the words Bitachon and Hisayon. He says that bitachon works when you are relying on a person because you're deserving . It could be God that you're deserving of, because of your great deeds, or it could be a person that you went out of your way for, who therefore owes you one. You think, “ This man is going to help me because he owes me…..How can I rely on Hashem if I don't really deserve it ? I'm better off relying on this person who owes me one. Based on nature, he'll come through, so I'll rely on him rather than relying on Hashem because Hashem doesn't owe me. I'm actually a little behind in my responsibilities to Hashem .” So what happens when a person realizes, “ I don't have the deeds?” For that, we have this additional concept, which is, in his words, “ If you look up to Above and you subjugate your heart to your Father in heaven, ‘Even though I don't deserve it, He should save me,' It's good. It will work.” That's what David Hamelech is saying, ט֗וֹב לַחֲס֥וֹת בַּיהֹוָ֑ה מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ בָּאָדָֽם It's better to seek refuge in Hashem even though you're not deserving of it, than to rely on a human being that owes you. He says this concept is extremely important because if we rely solely on our deeds, who can possibly say, “I deserve it! Hashem owes me. ” He says Hisayon is when the person doesn't deserve to get anything. He's seeking refuge under God's wing, that He'll have mercy on him. In his words, “ He looks above and subjugates his heart to his Father in heaven,” a term that comes from Masechet Rosh Hashana 3,8 where it talks about when the Jews went to fight against Amalek. When Moshe Rabbenu lifted his hands, they would win. The Mishna asks, ‘ Does Moshe's hand make or break the war? Rather, it's to tell us that when the Jewish people looked above and subjugated their hearts to their Father in heaven, they'd be successful.' Similarly, when the snakes were biting us in the desert after we spoke Lashon Hara , we deserved to be bit, but Hashem told Moshe to make a copper snake, and everyone who looked at it would live. Again, the Mishna asks, ‘ Do snakes bring life? Do snakes bring death? Rather, when we look above, and we subjugate our hearts to our Father in heaven,' they would be healed. In both of these cases, the Jewish people had sinned. We sinned in the case of Amalek, and we sinned in the case of the snakes that came to bite us, and yet the advice that's given is You're not deserving but look up to your Father in heaven. Subjugate your heart to Him. Focus on Him and Him alone. In Nefesh HaChaim, Shaar 3, perek 12, Rav Chaim Volozhin brings down the famous concept of En Od Milevado /If you focus on God alone, all bad decrees are annulled. He cites this mishna about subjugating your heart to heaven. He asks, why do I have to look at the snake ? And he explains that when you look at the snake and see how evil and powerful it is, you should say to yourself, “ It's nothing ,” and annul it in your heart. Don't pay attention to it. Subjugate your heart to Hashem and realize that only He can do it. That's what makes everything turn around. ט֗וֹב לַחֲס֥וֹת בַּיהֹוָ֑ה מִ֝בְּטֹ֗חַ בָּאָדָֽם . The way the Maharit explains it is fascinating. It means that I have the right to look above, to subjugate my heart to my Father in heaven. I realize there's nothing else but Him . That's the power of the ultimate bitachon, of going above everything, annulling everything in your heart. It's easier said than done, but that's the power of even if you're not deserving, and that's the secret of Hisayon . Have a wonderful day.

BH' THE SHIUR THAT IS GOING VIRAL VAYISHLACH: LIVE QUESTIONS & KABBALOT https://youtu.be/Q5lXXDJuVeo Join us for an immersive experience with Rabbi Yaron Reuven in our 'VAYISHLACH: LIVE QUESTIONS & KABBALOT' Shiur! Delve into the profound wisdom of Judaism and the Torah as Rabbi Yaron Reuven addresses your LIVE QUESTIONS, explores Kabbalot, and unravels the layers of Parashat Vayishlach. This shiur welcomes everyone - from the curious to the devout.

BH' THE SHIUR THAT IS GOING VIRAL VAYISHLACH: LIVE QUESTIONS & KABBALOT https://youtu.be/Q5lXXDJuVeo Join us for an immersive experience with Rabbi Yaron Reuven in our 'VAYISHLACH: LIVE QUESTIONS & KABBALOT' Shiur! Delve into the profound wisdom of Judaism and the Torah as Rabbi Yaron Reuven addresses your LIVE QUESTIONS, explores Kabbalot, and unravels the layers of Parashat Vayishlach. This shiur welcomes everyone - from the curious to the devout.

Featuring:Rabbi Yehudah SternWoodmere, NYRabbi Yehudah Stern shares some really powerful thoughts on this weeks Parashat Vayishlach.Thank you Rabbi Stern for taking the time to carry us through the week! Shabbat Shalom!

Sermon by Rabbi Dan Ross. "Parashat Vayishlach: We Don't Run Away" December 01, 2023

If a person is going through a struggle, although he is hoping to get himself out of it as soon as possible, he can utilize the opportunity he has, while it is there, to grow to great heights. The Rambam writes in his Iggeret Teman , if someone is able to be happy with a difficulty that Hashem sent him, it is a great honor to Hashem and, ultimately, Hashem will bring the person honor in return. The Sefer Charedim writes, if someone would stay connected to Hashem and think about Him, even while he is experiencing trouble, "אין לך עבודה גדולה מזה – there is no greater service than that." And in that merit, Hashem will save the person and bring him honor. When a person is hurting, he has a natural tendency to complain and bemoan his fate. But, if he could overcome that and thank Hashem for everything He is doing, he'll become so great. The Gemara says in Masechet Taanit (p. 8), if a person is happy with the afflictions he is receiving, recognizing that they are for his good, he'll bring about salvation not only for himself but for the entire world. Therefore, if anyone is feeling down about their lot in life, or about something difficult they are going through, they can immediately turn those feelings into the most valuable time of their life by working on themselves to thank Hashem with joy. Even if they can't bring themselves to thank Hashem for the pain, to thank Hashem for everything else they have in their lives is also an invaluable avodah . The sefer Vaveh HaAmudim writes, it's a great segula for a person to become healed from a sickness if he would begin thanking Hashem for all the other parts of his body that are healthy. For example, if someone had a chronic issue with his leg, he should thank Hashem and praise Him that his eyes are functioning, that his head feels fine, that he is able to hear, and so on. He should not say, "Why do I have to have this problem while all of my friends are completely healthy?" In this week's parasha , Yaakov Avinu fought with the שרו של עשו-Esav's angel , and afterward, he thanked Hashem for saving his life, as it says, "כי ראיתי אלוקים פנים אל פנים ותנצל נפשי." The sefer Baer Mayim Chaim points out that Yaakov came out limping after that fight. He could have thought, My grandfather Avraham was saved from Ur Kasdim without a scratch on him. Hashem saved him in a war against four kings and he had no injuries. Why did I have to get hurt in this fight? Yet, Yaakov never entertained such a thought, it was just the opposite, he thanked Hashem that he was alive and able to continue functioning exactly the way he was. Right after that showing of appreciation, the pasuk says, ויזרח לו השמש – Hashem used the sun to completely heal Yaakov of his limp. That is an example of this segula . Thanking Hashem that everything else is working and then, mida kineged mida , Hashem healing the limb that is not working properly. Everything Hashem does for us is good. He wants us to recognize it. When the Mashiach comes, we'll then understand clearly how even the hardships were good. But before that, we have the opportunity to have emunah and believe it, and thereby earn eternal rewards. Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Vayishlach. Amount and Value of gifts given to Esav.

Parashat Vayishlach. The power of tefila by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

Parashat Vayishlach. Insights into Parasha by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

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In Parashat Vayishlach, we confront the distressing account of Shechem, the son of Chamor, kidnapping and assaulting Dina. As we delve into the sequence of events depicted in the Torah, a puzzling question arises: Why is this narrative situated at this particular juncture? Yaakov, having resolved his longstanding conflict with Esav after returning from Lavan's household, appears to be on the path to Beit El to fulfill the vow made upon his departure. However, an unexpected stop in Shechem occurs. So, why does Yaakov pause there? What unfolds in this unsettling story? It's not the first instance of a woman being taken captive – we've seen Sarah and Rivka faced with similar challenges. Yet, this story unfolds uniquely. What does it signify, and why does it differ? What profound lesson does the Torah impart to us, especially in our present circumstances, as we grapple with significant challenges within our land? Join us as we unravel the layers of meaning embedded in this poignant narrative.

R'Piha

When Esau came to meet Jacob with 400 men, it could only mean one thing: 20 years after Jacob stole Esau's blessings, Esau is finally seeking his revenge. But... what if we are misjudging Esau?Join Beth Lesch and Rabbi David Fohrman as they explore some fascinating parallels between this week's parsha and a later story, all leading to a shocking conclusion: We may have been wrong about Esau's intentions.What did you think of this episode? We'd genuinely like to hear your thoughts, questions, and feedback. Leave us a voice message – just click record, and let your thoughts flow.Into the Verse is a project of Aleph Beta, a Torah media company dedicated to spreading the joy and love of meaningful Torah learning worldwide. If you're enjoying this podcast, help support our work by subscribing to Aleph Beta.For past episodes of Into the Verse, go to our website, alephbeta.org, where a premium subscription gets you access to all of our past episodes and our full library of over 1,000 videos and podcasts on the parsha, holidays, and so much more!Follow us on your favorite social media.

In this episode, we speak to Rivi Frankel, who shares her Desert Island Torah, looking at Torah and commentaries from Parashat Vayishlach, Sefer Malakhi and Sefer Melakhim.

Vayishlach or Vayishlah (וַיִּשְׁלַח‎ — Hebrew for "and he sent," the first word of the parashah) is the eighth weekly Torah portion (פָּרָשָׁה‎, parashah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. In the parashah, Jacob reconciles with Esau after wrestling with a "man." The prince Shechem rapes Dinah, whose brothers sack the city of Shechem in revenge. In the family's subsequent flight, Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies in childbirth. The parashah constitutes Genesis 32:4–36:43. The parashah has the most verses of any weekly Torah portion in the Book of Genesis (Parashat Miketz has the most letters, Parashat Vayeira has the most words, and Parashat Noach has an equal number of verses as Parashat Vayishlach[1]). It is made up of 7,458 Hebrew letters, 1,976 Hebrew words, 153 verses, and 237 lines in a Torah Scroll (Sefer Torah). To support Eliyahu Jian's work, visit https://vitaltransformation.org/donate Got a question? Click here to submit a form with your question and Eliyahu will respond to your email as soon as he can! — https://eliyahujian.com/contact For more than three decades, Eliyahu Jian has been guiding men and women through the process of strengthening their relationships, improving their businesses, and embracing healthier lifestyles while connecting to a higher power and purpose. Eliyahu's roles have included coaching CEOs, investment fund managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders from every walk of life. "How we feel today and every day is a choice. What will you choose to create in your life?" - Eliyahu To rediscover your spiritual path, visit https://eliyahujian.com/store to schedule a session OR email info@eliyahujian.com for a FREE consultation. - Healing Session - Business Coaching Session - Relationship Coaching Session - Soul Reading - Astrology Chart Session We can not do this without YOU! To join the online community, visit: https://vitaltransformation.org • Click here to subscribe: https://youtube.com/EliyahuJian/?sub_... • Click here to watch another video: https://youtube.com/EliyahuJian For important info and weekly updates, subscribe to the weekly email list by visiting https://eliyahujian.com , scrolling all the way down to the bottom left, and entering your email! Follow Eliyahu Jian: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliyahujian... • Twitter: https://twitter.com/eliyahujian • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliyahuJianO... Follow Vital Transformation: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vital_trans... • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TransformVital • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitaltransfo... Eliyahu Jian: "I don't take myself too seriously and I like to make people laugh and help them choose joy and happiness. I like to simplify spirituality and make it more accessible. I translate profound spiritual wisdom into practical, everyday advice that empowers people to live their happiest and most fulfilled experiences."

Parashat Vayishlach. The prohibition against God Haneshe and inspirational lessons. by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

Featuring:Rabbi Mordechai KalatskyRav, Kenesses YisraelMinneapolis, MNRabbi Mordechai Kalatsky shares some really powerful thoughts on this weeks Parashat Vayishlach.Thank you Rabbi Kalatsky for taking the time to carry us through the week! Shabbat Shalom!

Parashat Vayishlach

Parashat Vayishlach: Eisav's Potential Source which is Higher than Yaakov

کاتی در مورد پاراشای هفته וישלח תשפ"ג Insights into the Parashat Vayishlach - Bat Ain by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian

R'Piha

Ya'akov is preparing to encounter God directly through sacrifice, an analog to our experience of prayer. It has been decades since Ya'akov actually encountered God in this way, and now he is preparing for this transition back into direct relationship. Critically, Ya'akov prepares by asking everyone to purify themselves and to change their clothes. What is the significance of changing clothes?

A name can tell us a lot about a person. Ya'akov (or is it Yisrael?) is no exception! Mara and Ravi talk about name changes in the Torah and why they are so important.

Noach, Noiach, Nauach, Nauah, or Noah (נֹחַ‎, Hebrew for the name "Noah", the third word, and first distinctive word, of the parashah) is the second weekly Torah portion (פָּרָשָׁה‎, parashah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading. It constitutes Genesis 6:9–11:32. The parashah tells the stories of the Flood and Noah's Ark, of Noah's subsequent drunkenness and cursing of Canaan, and of the Tower of Babel. The parashah has the most verses of any weekly Torah portion in the Book of Genesis (but not the most letters or words). It is made up of 6,907 Hebrew letters, 1,861 Hebrew words, 153 verses, and 230 lines in a Torah Scroll (סֵפֶר תּוֹרָה‎, Sefer Torah). In the Book of Genesis, Parashat Miketz has the most letters, Parashat Vayeira has the most words, and Parashat Vayishlach has an equal number of verses as Parashat Noach. To support Eliyahu Jian's work, visit https://vitaltransformation.org/donate Got a question? Click here to submit a form with your question and Eliyahu will respond to your email as soon as he can! — https://eliyahujian.com/contact For more than three decades, Eliyahu Jian has been guiding men and women through the process of strengthening their relationships, improving their businesses, and embracing healthier lifestyles while connecting to a higher power and purpose. Eliyahu's roles have included coaching CEOs, investment fund managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders from every walk of life. "How we feel today and every day is a choice. What will you choose to create in your life?" - Eliyahu To rediscover your spiritual path, visit https://eliyahujian.com/store to schedule a session OR email info@eliyahujian.com for a FREE consultation. - Healing Session - Business Coaching Session - Relationship Coaching Session - Soul Reading - Astrology Chart Session We can not do this without YOU! To join the online community, visit: https://vitaltransformation.org • Click here to subscribe: https://youtube.com/EliyahuJian/?sub_... • Click here to watch another video: https://youtube.com/EliyahuJian For important info and weekly updates, subscribe to the weekly email list by visiting https://eliyahujian.com , scrolling all the way down to the bottom left, and entering your email! Follow Eliyahu Jian: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliyahujian... • Twitter: https://twitter.com/eliyahujian • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliyahuJianO... Follow Vital Transformation: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vital_trans... • Twitter: https://twitter.com/TransformVital • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitaltransfo... Eliyahu Jian: "I don't take myself too seriously and I like to make people laugh and help them choose joy and happiness. I like to simplify spirituality and make it more accessible. I translate profound spiritual wisdom into practical, everyday advice that empowers people to live their happiest and most fulfilled experiences."

Parashat Vayishlach 77

Parashat Vayishlach

Vayishlach | Revisiting Shkhem, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The "rape of Dina" and the bloody aftermath, which comprise all of chapter 34 and the middle of Parashat Vayishlach, is replete with difficulties which make the conventional understanding of Dina's rape and abduction and of Yaakov's silence as well as his response to Shimon and Levi difficult to explain. By analyzing the terms used to describe the encounter between Shkhem and Dina, we propose a novel understanding of the events, of Yaakov's broader plan in moving to Shalem, east of Shkhem and of the meaning behind Yaakov's dying words to Shimon and Levi. Source sheet >>

Shalom in Your Phone! This week, in Parashat Vayishlach, we hear how Jacob is ready to seek forgiveness and make amends with his estranged brother Eysav and return home to the promised land. Has the 21 years away from home helped Jacob evolve? Of course, it has! We discuss the moment when Jacob wrestles with an angel and gets the new name Israel: because he had striven with G-d and man and prevailed! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Parashat Vayishlach: Mitzvot are Connecting to the Unknowable Desire of Hashem

Parashat Vayishlach. The greatness of Leah emenu A"H

Yaakov Avinu left the home of Lavan, a very wealthy man. And although, when he was talking to Lavan about his work, he described how much effort he put in and how hard he worked for him, that was not because Yaakov believed he needed all that effort to earn his wealth. But rather, since he was working for someone else, he was telling Lavan how faithful he was to him as an employee. In this week's parasha, Vayishlach, when Yaakov told Esav about how he earned all that he had, he said, כי חנני אלוקים which means Hashem gave him everything as a מתנת חינם, a free gift. He said “Hashem graciously gave to me everything that I have as an undeserved gift.” This is the attitude we are supposed to have regarding all of our possessions and money, no matter what we think we did to earn them. Everything we have was given to us by Hashem as an undeserved gift. How do we know if we really believe that? One way we could tell is during the times when we aren't getting what we want, or what we're praying for. If we honestly believe that we don't deserve anything, then we won't say, “Why isn't Hashem giving me; aren't I so good?” Rather, we would say, “Hashem You have given me so much until now, even though I didn't deserve it. Must be, You know now that what I'm asking for will not be good for me at the moment, and that's why You're not giving it to me. If I would make an accounting to see if I deserved what you have already given me, I would see that I'm very heavily in the red.” This was the attitude of Yaakov. He was returning to Israel with a promise from Hashem, that He would protect him from any harm. Yaakov felt the words of that promise to his core, as it says, וישא יעקב רגליו after Hashem told that to him, he was so happy. He was walking as if he was floating. Every step was so easily taken. He also had an additional promise from Hashem שוב אל ארץ אבותיך ולמולדתך ואהיה עימך-Hashem told him he would be with him as he traveled back home. But then, when Yaakov was told that Esav was coming with 400 men, he became afraid. The mefarshim ask, “What could Yaakov possibly be afraid of? First of all, he had a guarantee from Hashem for protection. Second of all, Yaakov had already defeated the Kings of Canaan with an army made up of just his children. The surrounding nations were all terrified of him as the pasuk testifies. When there was a boulder on top of a well that normally required many men to remove, Yaakov flipped it off effortlessly, as if taking off a bottle cap. Why was he afraid now of Esav? Chazal tell us, Yaakov knew everything happens only by what Hashem determines. It doesn't matter how strong a person is or how much people fear him. Yaakov also knew the damage of what sin could cause and he felt, perhaps, he may have done something wrong, which would warrant him being harmed by Esav. Sin can cause guarantees from Hashem to be taken away. Even though Yaakov was one of the greatest tzaddikim who ever lived, he honestly felt that perhaps his actions may have caused him to be undeserving of a promise that Hashem had already made him. This was the level that Yaakov reached. He truly felt that he never deserved anything. We should always pray to Hashem to give us what we want, but we must realize we definitely don't deserve it. And if Hashem decides it's better for us not to have it, we should never complain. We should thank Him for what He has given us already and for doing for us now what we need for our best. Shabbat Shalom

The most devastating part of the story of Dinah is that the Torah does not share Dinah's perspective. We have no idea if this was “the rape of Dinah” or an encounter she desired. This gap is not surprising, but as inheritors of Torah we must ask ourselves how we inherit this part of our Torah responsibly.

This encounter is completely unexpected and perplexing. What does it mean?

Parashat Vayishlach with Rav Dovid Gottlieb #1 - Classical Commentaries - Shimon and Levi Slaughter Shechem: Righteous Justice or Unethical Vengeance? #2 - Contemporary Commentaries - The Greatness of Yaakov: Rav Kook's Fascinating Interpretation #3 - Sparks of Chassidus - Yaakov and the True Source of Humility: The Incredible Insight of the Sefas Emes #4 - Sparks of Musar - Harnessing the Potent Power of Prayer #5 - Midrash - Who Was Yaakov Fighting and Why Were They Fighting? A Midrashic Interpretation

The most devastating part of the story of Dinah is that the Torah does not share Dinah's perspective. We have no idea if this was “the rape of Dinah” or an encounter she desired. This gap is not surprising, but as inheritors of Torah we must ask ourselves how we inherit this part of our Torah responsibly.

The first half of Parashat Vayishlach provides a detailed account of the preparation for, and then the actual scene, of the final encounter between Yaakov and Esav. The last time they have seen each other is 20 years ago, when Yaakov stole the blessing and Esav vowed to kill him. Though the scene in our parsha is detailed, there are multiple ways to interpret Yaakov and Esav's behavior. In this week's episode we review the scene in detail, and consider the dynamic through the use of the word "brother" throughout the text.

Parashat Vayishlach - The life of Leah Immenu by Rabbi Benjamin Lavian