On this Shabbat the terrible game ends: brothers stop terrifying brothers, a parent is relieved of a horrifying lie, and we see the cessation of a generational dysfunction, all because of one – or, actually, two – heroic individuals. The parashat hashavua (the Torah reading of the week) is named for the key act that bringsContinue reading “Shabbat VaYigash: Who Are You Before You Were Hurt?”
Tag Archives: Jacob
Shabbat VaYishlakh: What Message Do You Carry?
Two opposing sides confront each other; one has been wronged and is angry, and the other is guilty, afraid, and feels that it must defend its very life. Ferguson? New York? Portland Oregon last night outside the Moda Center? No, the situation described is part of this week’s parashah; in it, Jacob and Esau walk towardContinue reading “Shabbat VaYishlakh: What Message Do You Carry?”
Shabbat VaYigash: How To Become Israel
The famous part of this week’s parashah is at the very beginning: after weeks of build-up, the saga reaches its dramatic climax as Judah steps forward to confront the ruler of Egypt (not knowing that this ruler is his own little brother). In this single act of courage and emotional maturity, Judah breaks a tragicContinue reading “Shabbat VaYigash: How To Become Israel”
Shabbat VaYishlakh: A Personal Aliyah Moment
This week’s parashah is VaYishlakh, “he sent”. In it we find ourselves deep into the story of Jacob, the third of the Patriarchs. He has just survived a night struggle with an angel, and then a long-delayed anxious meeting with his brother Esau. In the verses just before we begin (since we are reading theContinue reading “Shabbat VaYishlakh: A Personal Aliyah Moment”
Torah for the 21st Century by Rabbi Ariel Stone 