When Jacob gives Judah the blessing of leadership, it was because of his natural ability to lead was tied to his innate sense of humility. This is what made Judah a great leader.
Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal
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The Ends Do Not Justify the Means
When Jacob blesses his sons, Simon & Levi, he comments that their anger should be controlled. He understood why they attacked Schem, but that they went about it in the wrong way.
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Senseless Hate Destroys
In Jewish thought the Temples were destroyed due to senseless hate among the Jews, not because the Babylonians nor the Romans were more powerful. If God had not willed the Temple to be destroyed it would not have been.
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Small Acts Can Change the World
We might think that we do not influence much but we do not see the bigger picture. Sometimes what we consider a small act can have a tremendous impact.
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True Repentance
When Judah confronts Joseph concerning Banjamin Joseph realizes that Judah has repented for his earlier actions. It is not enough to say “sorry”, you have to show through your actions that you have repented.
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Joseph’s Message to Jacob
When Jacob was told that Joseph was alive, he did not believe it until he saw the wagons. Why did they make a difference?
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Remember Why We Fight
The fast of the 10th of comes a week after we finish celebrating Hanukah. This is to teach us that the Hasmoneans lost sight of the reason for the war against the Hellenists. Over the generations they became Hellenists. When we lose sight of the goal we lose all.
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Hanukah Saved Civilization
Hanukah saved what was to become Western Civilization. In the Greek and Roman worlds human life was cheap. Mistreatment of slaves was normal. In the Jewish world it was the exact opposite.
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United We Stand
In the end of this week’s portion the brothers are united in their love of one another just as the five Hasmonaean brothers were united in the story of Hanukah.
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Hanukah and Purim
Why do we say Hallel on Hanukah bur not Purim? What is the difference between the two festivals?