Shema Yisrael!
Twenty two long years have passed and finally Yosef meets his father: "He [Yosef] fell on his [father's] neck, and wept exceedingly" (46:29). Yosef poured out his heart in a sea of tears at the emotional release of seeing his…
The Great Mitzvah of Honouring Ones Parents
The “Holy Jew” of Peshischa (Rav Yaakov Yitzhak Rabinovitch zt’l) was once learning Torah with his students, when they reached a most difficult question. The Rabbi delved into the issue and did not pay attention to his surroundings; the students…
Just say No!
Imagine one of those typical days in London. The clouds are heavy, the wind is strong and the rain doesn’t stop falling. You come into work after having fought with the wind, your umbrella broken and your coat drenched. Just…
The Twilight Zone
This week’s parasha contains four words that changed the course of history. We all know the story of Yosef’s arrest and imprisonment. Shortly afterwards, two members of Pharaoh’s Court were also thrown into jail. We need to understand what…
Where was Dina?
Yaakov was preparing for his encounter with Esav. He transferred the entire family across the river. Yet the Torah seems to miss out the mention of one person – Dina. Rashi (32:23) commenting on the transfer, states that Dina was…
Yaacov’s Humility
Why does Yaacov belittle himself by referring in ch. 32 V.5 to Esov as his master and to himself as Esov’s servant when he was not even speaking to Esov nor was he in his presence of anywhere near within…
Parasha Insights
After seven years of working hard for Lavan in order to marry his daughter Rachel, and eager to build the next block in Am Yisrael, Yaakov awakens in the morning and is stunned to find out that he has been…
