Shlomo’s Blog

Jacob hides his daughter, Dina, from Esau because he knew that Esau would want her for sex. What he did not realize was that Dina had to power to civilize Esau. If Esau would have married Dina then he would have become a righteous man. Share on Facebook

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When Jacob and Esau meet, Jacob states that he was able to live in the house of Laban and keep all the mitzvot. Esau is amazed. Mentally he knows that it is possible, but he cannot control his urges while Jacob can. Share on Facebook

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Rachel steals her father’s idols since she does not want to be an idolator. Her intentions were good, but the act of stealing is wrong. This is why she was punished. Share on Facebook

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Jacob sees that he is becoming like Laban. He realizes that this is dangerous to his spiritual being. His solution is to escape from Laban and return to his parents, who will make sure that his moral compass is pointing true north. Share on Facebook

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Jacob, Rachel and Leah all have to struggle with their faith. Jacob in his dealings with his unscrupulous father-in-law. Leah with the fact that she is not loved by Jacob and Rachel with being barren. They all overcome their struggles due to their faith in God. Share on Facebook

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Each of the sons of Jacob are named and each name has a meaning. This is to teach us that each individual bring something to the table that is unique to them. Share on Facebook

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Jacob was living the life of a Yeshiva student. Suddenly he is thrown into the business world and has to deal with a dishonest businessman, his father-in-law. In the end he succeeds since he knows the tricks but can defeat Leban honestly. Share on Facebook

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In Jacob’s dream he sees angels ascending and descending a ladder. The angels represent the nations of the world and Jacob understands the dream to mean that while many nations will rise and fall, the Jewish people will continue to exist. Share on Facebook

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Thanksgiving is a unique holiday. While it has a religious background, any person of whatever religious or faith can celebrate. Let’s always remember that we live in a free country and that we can all practice whatever faith we are without government interference. Share on Facebook

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