Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category
Do Not Defend Evil
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023Simeon and Levi destroy the city of Schem for what Hamor did to Dinah. Why the entire city for what one person did? Because the rest of the people approved of Hamor’s actions. They were all complicit. Share on Facebook
True Justice in Society
Tuesday, November 28th, 2023Chamor did not think that he did anything wrong in abducting and raping Dina. She was from outside his tribe and therefore fair game. The Torah teaches that this attitude was evil. Share on Facebook
Know What is Possible
Monday, November 27th, 2023Jacob has to negotiate with Esau. Jacob has to mollify Esau so that he can enter to the Land. He treats him with the respect that Esau doesn’t deserve. He does this so that he can accomplish his goal. Share on Facebook
The Small Details Matter
Sunday, November 26th, 2023Jacob stayed behind to find a small vessel. Why, if he was wealthy at this point did he worry about such a minor detail. It is to teach us to worry about the minor details while keeping our eyes on the goal. Share on Facebook
Have Moral Neighbors
Friday, November 24th, 2023Jacob realizes that the danger of staying with Laban is that he will become like him. He knows the best way to avoid this is to leave and return home. It should be remembered that Jacob has goals but he is a realist. Share on Facebook
Be Thankful For What We Have
Thursday, November 23rd, 2023When we begin this week’s portion we see that Jacob is running from his brother who wants to kill him. He meets his uncle who wants to cheat him. Yet he is grateful for the gifts that God has given him. Share on Facebook
The Ends Do Not Justify the Means
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023Rachel steals Laban’s idols because she doesn’t want her father to worship idols. While her motive was good her action was not. We are not allowed to do the wrong thing for the right reason. Share on Facebook
Don’t Justify Wrongful Acts
Tuesday, November 21st, 2023In this week’s portion we see Leah accusing Rachel of “stealing” Jacob when it was the other way around. This is to teach that Leah was so unhappy that she mistook their history. Share on Facebook
Know With Whom You Are Dealing
Monday, November 20th, 2023The problem with our standing in the world is that we have to be careful of this who are nice to us to our faces but plot against us behind our backs. Share on Facebook
Don’t Be Naive, Be Smart
Sunday, November 19th, 2023When we first meet Jacob, he is introduced as a man who prefers to study. We think of him as weak and naive. It turns out that he is neither. This is what saves him from the individuals he will have to confront. Share on Facebook
About the Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal is an Israeli-American, or an American-Israeli (I could never get that right) who is unabashedly pro-Israel, pro-US and a great guy.
He has an open mind to opinions that he agrees with.
Besides blogging on whatever he feels like blogging about on any given day he enjoys learning Talmud, davening, being the candyman in his synagogue, smoking his tobacco pipe, giving tours at the Grand Lodge of New York, being involved in Freemasonry, and partaking in an adult beverage every now and then