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Parsha VAYISHLACH

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Jonathan Muskat

Dec 5, 2017, 6:03 PM

The Secret to Jewish Longevity: Confidence

These weeks are the ones when we read in the Torah about a random man that seems to appear out of nowhere. In Parshat Vayishlach, an unnamed man appears in the middle of the night by the Yabok crossing...

Dec 1, 2017, 7:58 PM

Learning from Itamar and the rabbit

Illustrative: Cover photo from David Grossman's children's book, Itamar Meets a Rabbit (in Hebrew: Itamar pogesh arnav).

The simplicity of a children's book reminds us that fearing each other makes the world more dangerous

Dec 1, 2017, 7:55 PM

Gender Abuse — A Framework

Not only feminists, but all morally conscious people are outraged at media reports of harassment and abuse by high profile men in positions of power. After decades of increasingly liberal attitudes to sex and sexuality, and brazen use of ...

William Hamilton

Dec 1, 2017, 7:53 PM

Wonder’s nutriments

Moral infection troubles today’s world. Our communication is crammed with callousness. We fixate on the mental and emotional pathways of others. What makes a neo-Nazi? How are extremists born? Another destabilizing week leaves our minds feeling sore. How then...

Shammai Engelmayer

Nov 30, 2017, 5:34 PM

The Torah is no way to excuse abuse

A forthright look at how Jacob treated women and the Jewish law that makes it clear he did wrong

Nov 30, 2017, 5:33 PM

Are you a Mozart or a Beethoven?

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, by Rembrandt. (Google Art Project, Wikimedia Commons)

Jacob’s life-long wrestling-match should reassure all who struggle for faith (Vayishlach)

Nov 30, 2017, 1:17 PM

The God of our ancestors

Jacob is the biblical model for today's seekers of the true self before finding the Divine

Nov 29, 2017, 3:59 PM

“Sons of Israel” Parashat Vayishlach 5778

Yaakov Avinu, like his grandfather Avraham Avinu, had two names. Both Avraham and Yaakov had their names changed in mid-life. Avraham began his life as Avram and Hashem changed his name to Avraham. Yaakov began his life as Yaakov...

Nov 29, 2017, 9:19 AM

Jacob and Esau are the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil

Jacob and Esau are the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and Israel is the Tree of Life. Both Jacob and Esau have the potential to become Israel… The Sibling Rivalry The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represents...

Ben-Tzion Spitz

Nov 28, 2017, 1:49 PM

Vayishlach: Talmudic Risk-Diversification

Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. -- Cadet Maxim The Torah is filled with stories of people who...

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