DOCSLIB.ORG

Into the Weekly Parsha Table Talk

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Into the Weekly Parsha Table Talk בס״ד Into The Weekly Parsha November 28, 2015 This week's Insights are dedicated in memory of Ze'ev ben Mordechai Avraham VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8 By the Rosen Family. “May his Neshama have an Aliya.” 16 KISLEV Based on the Torah of our Rosh HaYeshiva HaRav Yochanan Zweig PARSHAS VAYISHLACH The Torah (34:1-28) relates the story reveals not only their mistake but of Dinah who was abducted and also an important lesson on how raped by Shechem, the son Chamor. justice is supposed to be carried out. This led to the ultimate destruction The Torah says (49:7) “Cursed be of the city and its entire male their anger, for it was fierce; and populace at the hands of her their wrath, for it was cruel…” Rashi brothers Shimon and Levi. (ad loc) explains that “even while he Maimonides (Melachim 9:14) (Yaakov) curses, he only curses their Table Talk explains that they were justified in anger.” In other words, while their killing all the males actions were in the city because, When executing justice justified, they acted under the seven one must not let his out of anger which Noachide laws, a emotions enter into his was wrong. When non-Jew is put to actions. executing justice death for not one must not let his setting up a court system. In this emotions enter into his actions. case, Shechem had perpetrated his Incidentally, their punishment was The Gemara (Sanhedrin 99b) relates that kidnapping with the full knowledge pretty severe, according to Rashi Timna, who eventually became a wife to that the city’s inhabitants would not and Bal Haturim (ad loc) this Elifaz son of Esav, was of royal lineage. do anything to bring him to justice. transgression caused their For this reason they all deserved to respective tribes to lose their shares Originally she wanted to convert and be put to death. Given that Shimon in Eretz Yisroel. We have to marry into the house of Avraham, and Levi were acting as agents of remember that justice has to be Yitzchak, and Yaakov but was repeatedly justice why did Yaakov curse them in done only because we are obligated turned away. Undeterred, she exclaimed Parshas Vayechi for their act (49:5- to right wrongs in the eyes of G-d that it is preferable to be a handmaiden to 7)? and not merely do things that make us feel better. this nation (Klal Yisrael) than to be a A closer examination of the pasukim noblewoman in any other nation. She therefore became a concubine to Elifaz, son of Esav, who was from the house of Avraham and Yitzchak and nephew to Miami Beach, FL Hollywood, FL San Diego, CA Yaakov. Elifaz was “raised on the lap of Bal Harbour, FL Boca Raton, FL Denver, CO Yitzchak” which was why he refused to do N. Miami Beach, FL Dallas, TX Toronto, Canada his father’s bidding and kill Yaakov, Vayeitzei (29:11). Ultimately her union Skylake, FL Baltimore, MD Caracas, Venezuela with Elifaz led to the birth of Amalek. How Aventura, FL Monsey, NY is it possible that someone who gave up To bring INSIGHTS to your everything to connect with the Jewish community email: people and marries the best of Esav’s [email protected] children would have a child who would become the Looking for more inspiration? Join one of Rabbi Zweig’s arch enemy of the Jewish live broadcast classes. people and seek their The Splendor of Shabbos: Wednesdays 10:00 am – 11:00 am destruction time and time Parshas HaShavua : Thursdays 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm again? Business Professional (Parsha): Fridays 6:40 am – 7:40 am RabbiZweig.com “And he (Yaakov) rose that night, and took his two wives, and his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the stream Jabbok…” (32:23) In this week’s Parsha (33:19) the Torah Rashi (ad loc) raises the question of bitterly until it affected the relates that Yaakov purchased a large the whereabouts of Yaakov’s appearance of her eyes. tract of land from Chamor, the father daughter Dina. Rashi explains that How is it possible that Leah is praised of Shechem for one hundred “Kesita”. Yaakov tried to hide her (by locking for not wanting to marry Esav and yet The Targum here explains that it was her in a box) so that Esav wouldn't Yaakov is punished for not wanting transacted with international see her. Rashi comments that Dina Dina to fall to Esav? currency, similar to Avraham’s might have been able to return Esav purchase of the Meoras to righteousness. For this reason The answer lies in family and familial Hamachpeilah. Similarly, when David Yaakov was punished and Dina was responsibilities. Leah was merely a bought the Temple Mount he paid “full subsequently abducted by Shechem. first cousin of Esav and in addition value” (Divrei Hayomim I 21:21). their families hadn't even seen each This is very difficult to understand. In Fascinatingly, the Midrash (Bereishis other in almost one hundred years. last week's Parsha Leah’s eyes are Rabbah 79:7) explains that these three She doesn't have an obligation to described as unattractive. The purchases were unique in that no Esav. But Yaakov was Esav’s brother Gemara (Baba Basra 123a) asks: The nation could dispute the Jewish and the very definition of Torah is so careful to not even brotherhood is self sacrifice (as we people’s ownership of these areas. The mention a negative word when discussed last week). Yaakov is reason for this lies in the type of talking about animals, how is it punished because his obligation to his purchase. These three areas were possible that the Torah would brother is to do whatever it takes to bought as sovereign transaction. That mention a negative trait of one of our try and save him. In this he fails Esav is, much like the Louisiana Purchase foremothers? The Gemara answers and he is severely punished. It is from France or the Alaska Purchase that, in fact, the condition of Leah's therefore no wonder that Dina is from Russia, these were transactions eyes speak to her virtues. Leah had ultimately saved by Shimon and Levi between two sovereign entities. overheard the rumors that she was “her brothers” (34:25) and Rashi (ad Avraham, Yaakov, and Dovid intended supposed to marry Esav. At the loc) comments “they are called her these properties to become the thought that she would be connected brothers because they sacrificed national heritage of the Jewish people. to such a wicked person, she was so themselves for her.” The Arabs who sold these properties overcome with sadness that she cried never forgave themselves for giving up sovereign ownership. Little wonder then that the three flash points of violence and enmity in every “intifada” Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed... (32:8) are centered on the Temple Mount, Rashi (ad loc) comments that Yaakov was frightened that he might be killed Meoras Hamachpeilah (Chevron), and and very bothered that he might have to kill others. Yet the Talmud obligates Shechem (Joseph’s Tomb) as they are us in self defense – “if one is coming to kill you, rise up earlier and kill the ultimate proof of the everlasting him” (Berachos 58a). Why should Yaakov be overly bothered by this? bond between the Jewish people and Think you know the answer? Be one of the first 5 correct respondents and win a the land of Israel. prize. Go to the Insights page on RabbiZweig.com to enter To dedicate an issue of Insights please email: 4000 Alton Road [email protected] Scan to subscribe and Miami Beach, FL 33140 or contact us at: (305) 534-7050 receive Insights via email .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Parshat Vayishlach 5770
    Torat Imecha: Women’s Torah Weekly Brought to you by Naaleh.com Parshat Vayishlach: The Dual Meaning of the Ox and the Donkey Based on a Naaleh.com shiur on Chassidut by Rabbi Herschel Reichman As Yaakov nears the land of Israel, he sends angels as messengers to his brother Esav. The Shem MiShmuel finds several aspects about this incident puzzling. Why did Yaakov tell Esav, “I had an ox and a donkey in the house of Lavan?” Additionally, since he was met by the angels of Israel while the angels of Chutz L’aaretz were still with him, he selected angels from both groups to go to Esav. Why did he need both types of angels and what was the difference between them? The Shem MiShmuel explains that there are seven inhabited continents that comprise the world. The land of Israel is at the center with three continents on each side. Shabbat, similarly, is the focal point of the week. We prepare for Shabbat during the three days that precede it, and we bask in the glow of the previous Shabbat for the three days that follow. The Gemara says there are weekday angels and Shabbat angels. The Shabbat angels correspond to Eretz Yisrael, and the weekday angels relate to the other six continents. The midrash on Breishit discusses a disagreement about the day on which G-d created angels. Rabbi Yochanan maintains that they were created on the second day, while Rabbi Chanina states that they were created on the fifth day. The Shem Mishmuel suggests that both opinions are correct.
    [Show full text]
  • Jacob Benmosche Lieberman
    Shabbat Shalom. Our Torah portion for this week is Parashat Vayishlach, in which we read about the journeys of our patriarch Jacob and his family after Jacob completes his service for Laban, his father-in-law. G-d commands Jacob to return to the home from which he fled many years before just after stealing his older brother Esau’s birthright as the first-born son of Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob and his family’s return will necessitate at the very least a meeting between Jacob and Esau, if not also a confrontation, since the two brothers had not seen each other since Jacob’s deception of their father robbed Esau of many privileges including the top spot in the family. Understandably, Jacob is afraid to face Esau and his anger. Jacob sends ahead a messenger to Esau to let him know of his return and learns that Esau is coming to meet him, along with 400 men. This exacerbates Jacob’s fear. He divides his family into two camps, with the hope that one will survive should Esau and the men attack. Bravely, Jacob plans to stand in front of his camp to lead them forward, but he doesn’t want to take it on the chin unless he absolutely has to. Before the brothers will meet, Jacob arranges for several messengers to greet Esau and appease him with many generous gifts. Jacob’s planning done for the big reunion ahead, he settles down to sleep for the night. In that sleep, what dreams may come. All night and near into the dawn, Jacob wrestles with a man who may just be an angel.
    [Show full text]
  • Sichos Sivan-Elul 5740
    -98- The above encouragement which we draw from Shabbos Rosh Chodesh Tammuz should inspire us to do more the nearer we get to the 12th-13th of Tammuz, especially in this, the hundredth anni­ versary of the birthday of the Previous Rebbe. 2. There is a perplexing question about this week's Parshah. Why is it called Parshas Korach when Korach was the one who quar­ reled with "Moshe who is true, and his Torah which is true?" In­ stead of having his name perpetuated, shouldn't it be counted among "the names of the wicked should rot?" The Gemorah (Yoma 38b) comments on the names of the wicked saying, "their names should rot by not mentioning them." This would be especially true in this case since there is a commandment "do not be like Korach and his company." This question is compounded by the fact that most Parshiyos are named after the first word in the Parshah (e.g. Vayeira, Vayeitze, Vayishlach etc). In this Parshah, however, the proce­ dure is changed. Instead of the first word in the Parshah, Vayikach, the second word, Korach, was chosen! The puzzle becomes more complex when we consider the follow­ ing: In Parshas "Vayeitze" the second word, "Ya'akov," is not in­ eluded in the Parshah's name. Why then is this week's Parshah given the name Korach when Korach was a wicked person who rebelled against Moshe? Although the name Korach is mentioned in the Torah, Korach is no where found as the name of the Parshah given in the Mishnah, the Gemorah, or in the Bereisah.
    [Show full text]
  • VAYISHLACH (And He Sent)
    VAYISHLACH (And He Sent) GENESIS (B‟RESHIYT 32:3 – 36:43) INTRODUCTION: 1. Jacob‟s flight from Esau now comes full circle. a. He had left to flee Esau‟s anger and vengeful plan to kill him. b. As Jacob approached Canaan, Esau approached him with a 400 man army. c. However, Isaac was still alive at this time. “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, „The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” – Genesis 27:41 2. It seems inevitable that Jacob was going to have to confront Esau in order to enter land. a. Prophetically: Israel under Moses/Joshua had to confront Esau as well as giants. b. To possess the Land (fulfill purpose) requires confronting the obstacles. 3. Also see how and when Jacob became Israel. a. From “hand on heel” to “prince of God.” 4. Some rabbinic writers consider this even to have been a prophetic vision. a. Many see it as symbolic – each person has to struggle with God to become whole. b. In face of crisis, Jacob was left alone with God. 5. Yet, in the haftarah it says: “In the womb he took his brother by the heel [literally occurred], and in his manhood he strove with God. He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel [literally occurred], and there God spoke with us.” – Hosea 12:3-4 6. Jacob had struggled with men and overcome through persistency, morality and wit.
    [Show full text]
  • Welcome to Spark2, the Tribe Weekly Parsha Activity Sheet for Children's Service Leaders Across the United Synagogue Communiti
    Welcome to Spark2, the Tribe weekly parsha activity sheet for Children’s Service Leaders across the United Synagogue communities. Thank you for offering to run a service. The US is very proud of the numerous Children’s Services that are run every week across the UK and this would not happen without you. Spark2 gives you an overview of the weekly parsha, a song, activity or Dvar Torah linked to the parsha or important event that week. Every children’s service will be different, in terms of how many participants there are, their age range, its length and the varying abilities of the children. Please read through the document and find the activities that will best suit the needs of your group. It is advisable to read it before Shabbat in case there is some preparation that may be needed in advance. I hope you and the children at your service will benefit from Spark2. Please be in touch if you have any queries, feedback or if I can be of any help. With best wishes, Sharon Radley [email protected] Vayishlach Parsha Summary: . Yaakov returns home to his father Yitzchak after many years. Yaakov prepares to face his brother Esav for the first time in thirty four years. Esav is heading towards Yaakov with four hundred soldiers. Yaakov sends messengers and presents. He prays to God and divides his family and possessions into two groups so that one group would be able to escape even if the other had to fight. Yaakov has an encounter with a man during the night.
    [Show full text]
  • Parshat Vayechi
    The Book of Genesis Parshat Vayechi A free excerpt from the Kehot Publication Society's new Chumash Breishis/Book of Genesis with commentary based on the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, produced by Chabad of California. The full volume is available for purchase at www.kehot.com. For personal use only. All rights reserved. The right to reproduce this book or portions thereof, in any form, requires permission in writing from Chabad of California, Inc. THE TORAH - CHUMASH BEREISHIT WITH AN INTERPOLATED ENGLISH TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY BASED ON THE WORKS OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE ¢ȱȚȱŘŖŖŞ THE TORAH - CHUMASHby BEMIDBAR ȱȱ ,) $ $)'&%") $"( )'$(")%$ $ %##$)'- ( %$ ) ,%'!( % ) "ȱȱ*+) ' Chabad of California ŝŚŗȱ ¢¢ȱǰȱȱǰȱȱşŖŖŘŚ?@IB978DQ řŗŖȬŘŖŞȬŝśŗŗȱȦȱ¡ȱřŗŖȬŘŖŞȬśŞŗŗ2I 81214?61<96?B>91>3 ȱ¢ Kehot Publication&E2<9C8542I Society ŝŝŖȱȱ ¢ǰȱ¢ǰȱ ȱȱŗŗŘŗřKehot Publication Society 1CD5B>&1B;G1IB??;<I>$5G-?B; ŝŗŞȬŝŝŚȬŚŖŖŖȱȦȱ¡ȱŝŗŞȬŝŝŚȬŘŝŗŞ 1H Order Department: Řşŗȱ ȱǰȱ¢ǰȱ ȱȱŗŗŘŗřOrder Department: ŝŗŞȬŝŝŞȬŖŘŘŜȱȦȱ¡ȱŝŗŞȬŝŝŞȬŚŗŚŞ !9>7CD?>F5>E5 B??;<I>$5G-?B; 1H ǯǯ GGG;58?D?><9>53?= ȱȱǰȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ <<B978DCB5C5BF549>3<E49>7D85B978DD?B5@B?4E35D89C2??;ȱȱǰȱȱ¢ȱǰȱ ȱǰ ?B@?BD9?>CD85B5?69>1>I6?B=G9D8?ED@5B=9CC9?>ȱ ǰȱȱȱȱǰȱ ǯ 9>GB9D9>76B?=81214?61<96?B>91>3 ȱ ȱȱȱȱ ȱȱȂ ¢ȱǰȱ ǯ)85!58?D<?7?9C1DB145=1B; ?6#5B;?C">I?>5989>E38>3 DZȱşŝŞȬŖȬŞŘŜŜȬŖŗşŖȬŗ DZȱşŝŞȬŖȬŞŘŜŜȬŖŗşśȬŘȱǻǼȱ ($ Published in the United States of America 5$-+3*'&+/4*' /+4'&4#4'30( .'2+%# The Book of Genesis Parshat Vayechi GENESIS Bereishit Noach Lech Lecha Vayeira Chayei Sarah Toldot Vayeitzei Vayishlach
    [Show full text]
  • Vayishlach Beresheet (Genesis) 32:4 – 36:43
    Vayishlach Beresheet (Genesis) 32:4 – 36:43 Jacob spends 20 years in Haran, and on his journey back to Canaan prepares to meet Esau. Before he meets him, he sends gifts ahead hoping to avoid a confrontation. He divides his family into two camps, sending them to safety. A “man” comes to Jacob that night and wrestles with him until dawn. He wrenches Jacob’s thigh, but Jacob will not release him. Jacob demands a blessing from the “man,” who gives Jacob a new name … Yisrael, “for he had striven with divine beings and prevailed.” Jacob then meets Esau and they are reconciled. Esau wants Jacob and his household to travel on to Seir with him, but Jacob says that because of the frailty of the children and flocks, he will lag behind. Jacob settles in Shechem, a city in Canaan. One day Dinah, his daughter, goes out to the fields and is assaulted by Shechem, a Canaanite, who ultimately wishes to marry her. Her brothers convince the male inhabitants of Shechem to be circumcised so that marriages may take place between Jacob’s household and the Canaanites. On the third day after the circumcisions, while the Canaanites are still in pain, Jacob’s sons rise up in retaliation. Jacob expresses anger, reminding his sons that they are few in number and may easily be destroyed by the rest of the inhabitants of the land. The brothers respond by saying that they were defending the honor of their sister. G-d tells Jacob to go to Bethel and build an altar.
    [Show full text]
  • December 2016~Kislev~Tevet 5777
    SERVICES SCHEDULE December 2016 Kislev-Tevet 5777 Thursday 1 December Rosh Chodesh Kislev Saturday 17 December Shabbat Vayishlach Service Leaders: Stuart Reuben and Paul Wilton Friday 2 December NB No Pot Luck Dinner Shammos: Terry Haffern Service Leaders: Steve Daniels Torah Reader: Stuart Reuben Shammos: Arthur Berman Torah Portion: Vayishlach Gen 32.4-36:43 (Plaut 217, Hertz 122) Board Rep: Olga Bernstein Haftarah Reader: Dan Cohen Drash: Haftarah Portion: Obadiah 1:1-1:21 (Herz 137) Board Rep: Sarah Livschitz Saturday 3 December Shabbat Toledot Drash: Gillian Merron (Chief Executive from the Board of Deputies, British Jews). Double Bar Mitzvah Noam and Ariel Lazarus Service Leaders: Noam and Ariel Lazarus with Terry Gelbart Friday 23 December Shammos: Chris and Jessamie Milton and Peter Pountney Service Leader: Elena Bloksberg, Jessamie Milton and Harvey Livschitz Torah Readers: Noam and Ariel Lazarus Shammos: Chris Milton Torah Portion: Toledot Genesis 25.19-28.9 (Plaut 173 and Hertz 93) Board Rep: Sally Natan Haftarah Portion: Malachi 1:1-2:7 (Plaut 341 and Hertz 102) Drash: Harvey Livschitz Board Rep: Alistair Kirk Drash: Noam and Ariel Lazarus Saturday 24 December Shabbat Va-Yeshev Service Leaders: Chris Shiller and Jaden Grauman Friday 9 December Pot luck dinner. Please bring vegetarian food, fish or a dessert to share. Shammos: Dan Cohen Service Leaders: B’nei Mishnah Class with Chris Milton. Torah Reader: Jaden Grauman and Adele Miller Hebrew School service. Torah Portion: Vayeshev Gen 37:1-40:23 (Plaut 244, Hertz 141) Shammos:
    [Show full text]
  • Parshas Vayishlach – the Power of Ma'aser (Tithing
    Breslov’s View On Doctors & Medicine written by Meir Elkabas | December 10, 2018 Reb Meir Elkabas gives an overview of Rebbe Nachman’s view on medicine and doctors–and it may not be what you think! If you like this video please share it with your friends. The more people who SHARE, LIKE, and COMMENT, the more videos we make. To Believe in Oneself written by breslov.org | December 10, 2018 Reb Noson would often teach that each person must believe in oneself, no matter what lowly spiritual level they find themselves. God wants him and yearns for his prayers and praise; because this is God’s ultimate truth! King David declared, “I will also thank you for your truth with a stringed instrument, my God…” (Psalm 71:22) [Reb Noson would paraphrase,] “Master of the Universe, such is your truth that even I will also praise You! Even in my insignificant and lowly stature, still You want me to praise You – for such is Your truth! (Quoted from Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Bender) The Hebrew words kli nevel mentioned in the verse above, which usually means a stringed instrument, can also be translated as a withered and ugly vessel. This means that even with my perceived impure and unholy spiritual vessels, it is Your will and truth that I still endlessly thank you. ~ Otzer Nachmani, Volume I, 51, (Page 62) It is Time to Vanquish the Darkness written by Dovid Mark | December 10, 2018 The darkness surrounds us, weakening our ability to see the light that permeates our world. This darkness is part of the fabric of our exile, intertwined within our broken world.
    [Show full text]
  • Shabbat Vayetze November 27-28 Vayetze a Teaching from Rabbi
    Shabbat Vayetze November 27-28 Candle Lighting: 4:13 PM / Shabbat Ends: 5:16 PM Torah Reading: Genesis 28:10 - 32:3 Haftarah: Hosea 12:13 - 14:10 Vayetze A Teaching from Rabbi Weintraub--Your Whole Self As we completed last week’s Torah Portion, Toldot, Jacob was vulnerable, on the run, fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau to seek refuge with his Uncle Laban in Charan. In Parshat Vayetze, now in Charan, Laban becomes Jacob’s father-in-law and employer, and shamelessly deceives and exploits his nephew. Despite the abuse, Jacob makes it. He takes two wives and two concubines, fathers eleven children, and through relentless, backbreaking work,”grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, maidservants and menservants, camels and asses” (Genesis 30:43). Then, suddenly, at this height of success, Jacob becomes uncomfortable and decides to flee. “Jacob also saw the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not with him as in earlier days” (Genesis 31:2). What does it mean that Laban was “not with him as in earlier days”? Wasn’t Laban, always a crook, still a crook? Now, however, Jacob sees with new clarity his dependence on Laban. The dependence is not hard to understand. Jacob’s father, Isaac, had favored his brother Esau because Esau was able to hunt and provide: “Isaac loved Esau, because the hunt was in his mouth” (Genesis 25:28). So, displaced from his home but still longing for his father, Jacob struggles and establishes prosperous estates for his uncle, father-in-law, and substitute father, Laban.
    [Show full text]
  • Shabbat December 14, 2019 Vayishlach Torah Reading, Genesis 32:4 – 36:43
    Shabbat December 14, 2019 Vayishlach Torah Reading, Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 Vayishlach begins with Jacob preparing to meet his brother Esau for the first time since having cheated him out of his birthright many years before. Jacob is understandably frightened of his brother and sends ahead lavish gifts to propitiate him. While waiting for the gifts to be delivered, Jacob has the second of his famous dreams. Or was it a dream? The text tells us that a man wrestles with him until dawn and Jacob is then given the new name “Israel” because he wrestled with a divine being and prevailed. Jacob is wounded in the struggle, though, his thigh having been dislocated. The Torah then says that because of his injury the children of Israel are forbidden from eating the thigh muscle of animals. Jewish tradition identifies the forbidden part of the animal as the sciatic nerve. When Jacob and Esau finally do meet, the tension is high. Jacob prostrates himself, trying to show his sincere attempts at reconciliation in the face of what he fears will be continuing anger. But as he gets closer it is clear that Esau is thrilled to be reunited with his brother. Their meeting is lovely and poignant, as they embrace and kiss and both cry, presumably for all the lost years of brotherly companionship. Jacob says, memorably, “When I see your face it’s like seeing the face of G-d.” The parasha moves on to the story of Dinah, the only one of Jacob’s daughters who is given a name in the Torah.
    [Show full text]
  • Parshat Vayishlach Weekly Dvar Torah Self-Assessment
    Parshat Vayishlach 16 Kislev 5776 / November 28, 2015 Daf Yomi: Sotah 33; Nach Yomi: 2 Divrei Hayomim 18 Weekly Dvar Torah A project of the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL SPONSORED BY THE HENRY, BERTHA AND EDWARD ROTHMAN FOUNDATION ROCHESTER, NY,CLEVELAND, OHIO, CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO Self-assessment Rabbi Lawrence Teitelman Mara D'atra, Young Israel of New Hyde Park There is a popular academic joke about three scientists: a physicist, a biologist, and a mathematician. They are sitting in a cafe staking out a nearby residence when they see two people enter the house. But a while later, three people emerge. The physicist declares: "Experimental error, we counted wrong." The biologist announces: "They reproduced." The mathematician concludes: "If exactly one person will now go into the house, the house will be empty." Each year as I read Parashat Vayishlach I am reminded of this story of the three scientists, and recall an insight from Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. Upon his return to Eretz Yisrael, Yaakov Avinu remarks (Bereshit 32:11): Katonti mikol hachasadim umikol haemet asher asita im avdekha, ki bemakli avarti et hayarden hazeh veata hayiti lishnei machanot – I have become too small from all the kindness and all the faithfulness that You have rendered to Your servant, for with [only] my staff I crossed this Yarden, and now I have become two camps. Rav Hirsch comments: I [Jacob] am not praying and appealing for myself; I have already received from You so much that I am unable to thank You for it all; I am diminished from all the kindness.
    [Show full text]