In Massechet Shabbat (22a), the Gemarrah records a debate between Rav and Shmuel whether or not one can use an already lit Chanukkah candle to light another one of the candles. Rav says that one cannot light another candle, while Shmuel permits it. In analyzing this debate, the Gemarrah wants to know the reason for Rav’s… Continue reading The Importance of Appearances
“Hashem frees those in captivity”
VaYeishev – Shabbos Chanukah 5770 The Talmud (Yoma 35b) recounts the attempted seduction of Yosef by Potiphar’s wife, with the following conversation between them: She threatened him, ‘I will have you thrown into prison!’ he replied, ‘Hashem frees those in captivity’ (Tehillim 146). She pushed further, ‘I will cut down your height!’ and he responded,… Continue reading “Hashem frees those in captivity”
Physical and Spiritual
In Parshat VaYeshev we read of the descent of two of Yaakov’s sons. Yosef is sold by his brothers to slavetraders, who take him to Egypt. Yehuda, too, is sent away from his brothers, seemingly as a response for his role in the sale of Yosef. These two stories run parallel to each other and… Continue reading Physical and Spiritual
Collective Punishment
Parshat VaYishlach contains the tragic story of how Yaakov’s daughter Dina is kidnapped and raped by Shechem. After committing his heinous act, Shechem asks his father, Chamor, to ask Yaakov for Dina’s hand in marriage. Yaakov’s sons hear what happened and respond to Shechem’s request by saying that they cannot allow their families to intermarry… Continue reading Collective Punishment
“…the remaining camp shall survive”
VaYishlach 5770 “Jacob became very frightened, and it distressed him. So he divided the people with him, and the flocks, cattle, and camels, into two camps. For he said, ‘If Eisav comes to the one camp and strikes it down, then the remaining camp shall survive’” (Bereishis 32:8-9). The Ramban explains based on a Midrash,… Continue reading “…the remaining camp shall survive”
What’s so special about Jewish children?
The Pasuk says “ה. וַיִּשָּׂא אֶת עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת הַנָּשִׁים וְאֶת הַיְלָדִים וַיֹּאמֶר מִי אֵלֶּה לָּךְ וַיֹּאמַר הַיְלָדִים אֲשֶׁר חָנַן אֱ־לֹהִים אֶת עַבְדֶּךָ – And he (Esau) lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and he said, “Who are these to you?” And he (Yakov) said, “The children with whom God has… Continue reading What’s so special about Jewish children?
Taking the high road
This week’s parsha tells the story of Yaakov Avinu and his time spent working for Lavan, his evil father-in-law. As I explained in a previous Dvar Torah, the actions of our forefathers were very often a sign for what would happen to future generations. Chazal note that Yaakov, throughout his time with Lavan, was giving… Continue reading Taking the high road
Where Will the Tzaddik Rest His Head?
VaYeitzei 5770 The book Mesillas Yesharim, describes how the fate of the world depends on human deeds. If a person is drawn after the physical, he distances himself from Hashem, will himself be corrupted and will corrupt the world with him. However, “if he can rule over himself and he cleaves to his Creator and… Continue reading Where Will the Tzaddik Rest His Head?
Offer It to the Ruler of Your Province…
Toldos 5770 The Prophet reprimands the Jewish people in this week’s Haftorah for failing to give Hashem the honor that is rightfully due to Him. “And if you present a blinded animal as a sacrifice – is there nothing wrong with this? Or if you present a crippled animal or a sick one – is… Continue reading Offer It to the Ruler of Your Province…
The Little Things In Life
This week’s Parsha starts with the story of the birth of Yaakov and Esav. Yaakov is born grasping onto Esav’s heel, seemingly trying to prevent his older brother from being born first. וְאַחֲרֵי-כֵן יָצָא אָחִיו, וְיָדוֹ אֹחֶזֶת בַּעֲקֵב עֵשָׂו, וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ, יַעֲקֹב. And after that came forth his brother, and his hand had hold on… Continue reading The Little Things In Life