by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 8, 2021 | Vayeitzei
Beersheba was the Biblical capital of the southern Negev region. Its name is a bit ambiguous, being made up of the two Hebrew words: Be’er (באר) meaning ‘well’, and the root sheva (שבע), which means both ‘seven’ and ‘oath.’ Thus, Beersheba, or Be’er Sheva in Hebrew,...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 7, 2021 | Vayeitzei
Let me pass through your whole flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted animal—every dark-colored sheep and every spotted and speckled goat. Such shall be my wages. אֶעֱבֹר בְּכָל־צֹאנְךָ הַיּוֹם הָסֵר מִשָּׁם כָּל־שֶׂה נָקֹד וְטָלוּא...
by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 6, 2016 | Vayeitzei
In his influential book “The Jewish State”, Theodore Herzl made the case for designing a proper symbol: “We have no flag, and we need one” he wrote. “If we desire to lead many men, we must raise a symbol above their heads. I would suggest a white flag, with seven...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 21, 2015 | Vayeitzei, Marriage and Relationships, Parenting
Jacob has been promised by God that his children will inherit the Land of Israel. Indeed, he is the first forefather to pass on this promise and blessing to all of his children. This week’s portion tells of Jacob’s flight from Beersheba, escaping just in time from his...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 20, 2015 | Community, Vayeitzei, Good and Evil, Kindness and Compassion
The sun is setting, and Jacob rests his head after a harrowing day. He is fleeing from his brother Esau. In an open field, Jacob gathers stones and makes a pillow of sorts so he can sleep before moving on in the morning. Amazingly, the Midrash describes a “fight” that...
