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.
Oil and Rock
Oil represents a person’s self-abnegation and submission to G-d. Only one who has totally abnegated his own will to that of G-d is capable of true sacrifice.
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Jacob’s Oath
An integral part of G-d’s dwelling is a human self for whom “G-d is my G-d”—for whom a life in the service of the Almighty is deeply satisfying.
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Forbidden Piety
Ultimately, we must recognize and utilize the fact that the Torah is the only source of life and well-being for the Jew, both spiritually and physically.
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Name and Number
In the Book of Shmot, G-d counts and names the Children of Israel as they head into Egypt and again at their deaths to show His infinite love for them.
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The Plot Thickens – Jacob & Esau: Two Nations
We now have before us Abraham, father of all nations, Ishmael father of the Arab/Muslim world, Esau, father of the Roman/Christian/Western world and Jacob, father of the Jewish world.
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Massacre in San Bernardino
What can we do about the massacre in San Bernardino? Joseph’s clash with his brothers teaches us how to repair and heal the world. We must begin by repairing ourselves and integrating faith in our actions.
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End of Book One – Jacob Never Dies
Jacob and Joseph always remind us that we can overcome any challenge. When we hold onto our faith in G-d and His promises, then we will always prevail.
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The Dislocated Hip
By remembering Jacob’s wound we sensitize ourselves to the fact that mindless immersion in material existence touches a nerve which leaves us wounded.
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Shavuot: The Twins – Duality & Unity
The concept of duality in matters of body and spirit are examined with respect to the opposing natures of twins Jacob and Esau.
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