Dec
08
TweetShare via emailAs our forefather Yaakov (Jacob) prepared to encounter his brother Esav again after 34 years, he did three things: sent presents, readied for war, and prayed. He balanced his prayers and trust in G-d with appropriate “worldly” efforts. He neither trusted in his own efforts, nor expected G-d to protect him with open …
Dec
01
TweetShare via emailIn our time, we’ve become accustomed to deceptive promises. The savvy consumer is advised to read advertisements between the lines, not to make the impulse decisions salespeople would have us make. Laws protect the consumer from blatantly false claims, but companies skillfully work within the protective guidelines to push us to “buy now” …
Nov
24
TweetShare via emailIn this week’s portion, Yitzchak (Isaac) reopens the wells dug by his father Avraham, which the Pelishtim had filled with earth. To avoid argument with the shepherds of Gerar, Yitzchak digs multiple new wells, until he finally digs a well and there is no further argument. Why is the Torah so concerned about …
Nov
16
TweetShare via emailMany see the value of spirituality, and perhaps its necessity. They seek to infuse their lives with spirituality and nurture their relationship with the Al-mighty. How does one begin to live such a life? Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Isaac. The Torah, known for its brevity …
