Articles in Vayishlach
Vayishlach: Food for Thought for your Dinner Table
Sunday: The Other Camp will Survive
Fearing an attack from his brother Esau, Jacob divided his family into two camps. He reasoned that should Esau attack one camp, the other would surely be spared. How could Jacob be certain that Esau would not destroy the first camp and then turn around …
Vayishlach: In Fear of his Brother
He was Worried
Hey, brother, can you spare a nickel? A penny or a dime? Jacob didn’t waste his time with such requests. His brother wanted to kill him and Jacob was desperate. He was afraid. He sent messengers asking, “Esau, can you spare a little love?” (1)
Tweet
Vayishlach: Wrestling Angels
Disagreements
We all have them, even with the people we love. That no two people can agree on every issue is a fact of life. “Our mindset,” say our sages, “is as unique as our facial features.” (1)
Tweet
Vayishlach: The Lazy Self
Grappling with an Angel
Having transported his family and possessions to the far shore of the Yabok River Jacob returned to retrieve a number of small items that were inadvertently left behind. The Torah tells that once he returned “He grappled with a man… till the dawn rose.” The Midrash teaches …
Vaysihlach: Content
Two Brothers Two Mentalities
Our forefather Jacob sent a gift to his brother Esau. Esau declared, “I have plenty my brother, let what is yours remain yours,” and refused to accept the gift. Jacob insisted that it would be a pleasure to grant the gift since, “ G-d has been gracious …
Vayishlach: G-d is in the Detail
Two Interpretations
In the course of preparing himself for battle with his brother Esau, Jacob evacuated his family to the far banks of the river Yabok. After they had been safely settled the Torah tells us that Jacob “Remained alone.” There are two interpretations to these words, which together add a …
Vayishlach : Two Tracks
Shortly after landing my first job I approached my employer with a proposal. “You are a visionary but are not pragmatically grounded. I lack your vision but have a pragmatic knack for detail. I propose that you determine the overall vision for our company and I will determine the detailed policy.” …
