by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 27, 2015 | Justice, 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 Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 21, 2015 | Marriage and Relationships, Parenting, Vayeitzei
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, Good and Evil, Kindness and Compassion, Vayeitzei
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...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 6, 2015 | Antisemitism, Chayei Sara, Chosen Nation, Israel, Redemption, Revelation and Prophecy
4,000 years ago, Abraham established Jewish ownership in Israel; today, twice as many Evangelicals than American Jews believe God gave Israel to the Jewish people. This weekend, tens of thousands of Jews will arrive in Hebron to spend the Sabbath in the place where...
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz | f 5, 2015 | Community, Kindness and Compassion, Marriage and Relationships, Mourning, Prayer, Vayeira
Abraham receives a special visitor in his home. Three days after the painful procedure of circumcision, God comes to visit Abraham. What does God say to Abraham? What is His message at this significant time? Strangely, the verse only says that God ‘appears’ to Abraham...
