Archive for the ‘ Vayishlach ’ Category

Dvar Torah Parshat Vayishlach 5772 2011

The angel who fought with Yaakov asked him for his name. When he was told, the angel said: LO YA’AKOV YE’AMER OD SHIMCHA KI IM YISRAEL, “…no longer will it be said that your name is Yaakov, but Yisrael…”. (Gen. 32,29) In reality this is a blessing and a great tribute to Yaakov but it [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Vayishlach 5770 2009

In this week’s portion we read of an unsung heroine whose name only appears here and not much is said about her. Yet she was so influential that her death created such a great mourning that the place was called ALON BACHUT, “the Plateau of Mourning”. (Gen. 35,9). Who was this person and why was [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Parshat Vayishlach 2008 5769 דבר תורה פרשת וישלח

On his way to meet his brother Yaakov remains alone and is attacked by a man who turns out to be an angel. In relating this struggle the Torah uses the expression VAYE’AVEK ISH IMO, “…and a man wrestled with him…”. (Gen. 32,25) Rashi tries to understand the root of the word VAYE’AVEK. He gives [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2007 – 5768 דבר תורה וישלח

The angel that fought with Yaakov, after being defeated, blessed Yaakov by changing his name. The name Yaakov is the personal name that our forefather had from birth. This was the name given him by his parents. It described a specific action of his when he was born and he held on to the AKEV, [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2006 – 5766 דבר תורה וישלח

Two illustrious European Rabbis were once involved in a great quarrel between them. This was an ongoing dispute of great duration. Many people attempted to mediate the argument but not only did they fail they often intensified the disagreement. After one such attempt, one of the disputing Rabbis referred to this week’s portion. Yaakov wanted [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2005 – 5765 דבר תורה וישלח

Yaakov sent messengers to Esav his brother to try and appease him. He also sent gifts. All of this was in vain. When Yaakov drew nearer to Esav he saw that his brother was coming: VE’IMO ARBA ME’OT ISH, “with him were four hundred men,” (Gen. 33,1) supposedly and army to fight with Yaakov. Yaakov [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2004 – 5764 דבר תורה וישלח

When Yaakov returns to Eretz Yisrael he wrestles with the angel and as a result his name is changed to Yisrael. There is a deep meaning in this change of name. Yaakov represents a Galut name. Yaakov reminds us of the time he was born and the Torah says: VEYADO OCHEZET BE’AKEV ESAV. “and his [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2003 – 5763 דבר תורה וישלח

Yakov is returning to Israel and he faces his brother Asov who had vowed to kill him. How does Yakov deal with this threat? He takes three steps. First he sends Esav gifts, then he prays for divine aid, and finally he divides up his people into two camps and prepares for fight if necessary. [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2002 – 5762 דבר תורה וישלח

Yaakov is returning from Galut where he spent twenty years with his uncle Lavan. As he comes close to Israel he prepares to meet his brother, not knowing what kind of a reception he will receive. Then the Torah tells us that Yaakov remained alone and during the night we are told VAYE’AVEK ISH IMO [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach 2001 – 5761 דבר תורה וישלח

In the beginning of the Sidra Yaakov sends a message to Esav saying he lived with Lavan. Rashi says what he is really saying is that he lived with Lavan and yet he kept the Taryag Mitzvot. He bases his statement on the fact that the Hebrew word “lived” is GARTI and the same letters [ READ MORE ]

Dvar Torah Vayishlach

Yaakov is returning to his homeland and he hears that Esav is coming towards him with four hundred men. He does not know what his brother’s intentions are so he prays to Hashem to help him. He says: HATZILENI NA MIYAD ACHI MIYAD ESAV, “… Save me, please, from the hand of my brother, from [ READ MORE ]

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