This week’s parsha (Torah portion) is called Vayishlach, which means, “And he sent.” The parsha begins with Yaakov (Jacob) sending messengers/angels (the same word in Hebrew means both angels and messengers) to his brother telling him he was returning home and asking for favor in Asov’s (Esau) eyes. When he hears that Asov is coming with 400 men, he gets scared and divides his camp into two, talks with god, and sends lots of gifts to Asov. The same night … Continue reading
Winter is coming. The days are getting short and cold and the nights, long and cold. It is the perfect time to go inside and work on oneself and face one’s demons. Funny I should say that because in the parsha (weekly Torah portion) we are reading this week, Yakov (Jacob) does just that. Before I satisfy your curiosity, however, I am going to give you a recap of the events in the parsha. If you recall from the end … Continue reading
Hi everybody. I hope this finds you all in good health and good spirits. The portion of the torah that we read this week is a continuation of Yaakov’s (Jacob) journey to becoming Israel. It includes the reconciliation of him and his brother Esau, and the destruction of the city of Schem, the death of Yaakov’s parents and his wife Rachel, and ends with Esau moving to make room for Yaakov, which is followed by a strange, repetitive listing of … Continue reading