Jacob
Hear, O Israel, our father, we dedicate our lives to revealing the One in all things.
After running away from his brother Esau, Jacob marries the sisters Rachel and Leah (and their maidservants) and the twelve tribes of Israel are born. Wrestling with an angel leaves Jacob limping and with a new name – Israel. When famine strikes the land of Canaan, Jacob and the family Israel descends to Egypt, where they reunite with Joseph. Jacob lives in Egypt for seventeen years. Before his passing, Jacob calls in all the tribes, our grandparents, and blesses them to continue the legacy and purpose begun with Abraham – to turn this fragmented universe into a unified home for the Divine. In a royal funeral, Jacob is accompanied back up to Israel where he is buried in Hebron with his wife and ancestors.
Two Faces of Esau
The story of Esau’s wedding leads to a two-faced world where some people struggle with G-d and justice while others demonstrate great pride in their faith.
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Vayetze: Rhythm
The soul’s restlessness is our healthiest response to a world that just doesn’t seem right. Don’t fight your restlessness; learn how to dance the dance.
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Vayeishev: Kislev 19 in Babylon
History is a continuum. Peace in our lifetime will only be possible if we make peace with the rifts of our past, acclimating the world to our own souls.
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Vayechi: Do our Shadows have Substance?
Embracing the duality of life in both its light and dark dimensions may not lead to nirvana, but will allow one to peacefully navigate the dynamic waters.
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Bamidbar: After 3316 Years How Far Are We From Sinai?
Parshat Bamidbar: Sinai created an interface bridging heaven & earth, giving us the power to fuse matter & spirit entirely without compromising either or.
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Toldot: The Power of Human Exertion
Who fully grasps a concept, one who immediately comprehends it, or one who must struggle to understand it? Part five of Samech Vov discusses this question, and examines the value of human exertion.
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Vayeitzei: Before the Battle
Jacob’s descent to Charan and subsequent struggles in Laban’s household represent our own difficulties in this world, and indicate the necessity of bringing light to the darkest places.
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The Dust of History
The cosmic struggle to reconcile spirit and matter are captured in the story of Jacob and Esau and the battle between these two opposing forces.
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Vayeitzei: Marriage: Destiny or Chance?
Is marriage predestined or dependent on your efforts? There are many opinions but all agree that though G-d’s predestined it we have the power to change it.
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