by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 4, 2022 | Blog, The Portion of Vayishlach, DI
By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz The Biblical account of Jacob’s first encounter with God is an amazing story. He dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending the ladder. Understandably shaken, Jacob declares that the site where the...
by Admin | f 13, 2016 | The Portion of Vayishlach
As the situation for European Jewry began to deteriorate, the Chofetz Chaim was asked in 1933 about the fate of the Jewish people. As recorded by one of his close disciples, the revered rabbi answered, “Hitler shall fail! No one has ever succeeded in destroying our...
by Tuly Weisz | f 27, 2015 | The Portion of Vayishlach
Jacob is torn between two values – the desire to live in peace and be accepted by the local inhabitants, and the desire to defend the honor of his daughter and of his family. This week’s portion tells of Jacob’s return to the Land of Canaan, beginning with his...
by Tuly Weisz | f 27, 2015 | The Portion of Vayishlach, Book Review
Aviv Harkov, a 22-year old former Israeli Naval Officer, grew up in New Jersey and has always had a passion for cooking. Now, she has parleyed that passion into a unique cookbook for parents and children, one that teaches Jewish values alongside culinary skills. A...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 22, 2015 | The Portion of Vayishlach
Jacob sends messengers ahead to his brother to alert Esau that he is coming home. The messengers return with an ominous report: Esau is coming out to greet him with four hundred men! To prepare for the potentially hostile encounter, Jacob divides his camp into...
by Ahuva Balofsky (Moderator) | f 22, 2015 | The Portion of Vayishlach
God now tells Jacob he should fulfil his early promise and return to build an altar at Beit El. Jacob prepares his household, stripping members of vestiges of idolatry and burying them in Shechem. The family then travels unmolested towards Beit El, as God has extended...
