Vayeitzei
Sometimes tricks are really treats. And sometimes treats are really tricks.
Running from his brother, Jacob stops to rest along the way. Jacob lies down upon a mount and dreams of a ladder bridging heaven and earth, upon which angels descend and ascend in a celestial ballet. The Creator appears and promises Jacob that the land upon which he lies will be the land of his descendents. Jacob pledges in return to turn this place into a home for the Divine. Jacob arrives in Laban’s house, where he falls in love with Rachel. Jacob works for seven years to win her hand. Under the wedding canopy, Laban switches Rachel for her older sister Leah. Jacob works another seven years to marry Rachel as well. Eleven of the twelve tribes are born.
Jacob’s Ladder: A Lesson on the Ups and Downs of Life
In this week’s Torah Portion, Vayeitzei, Jacob dreamed of a ladder standing on the ground. A ladder by definition goes two days: up and down. If we risk going up, we may fall down, but if we never attempt that first step – we will never rise.
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The Fall and Rise of Nations and Overcoming Fear
Overcoming fear: To face the transitions and battles of life you must fortify your inner life. You must build a strong inner core – a home and family that provides you with the security and confidence to handle any force or enemy from without.
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What Are Your Three Greatest Passions?
Ask yourself: What are your three greatest passions? Whatever your answer may be, identifying your passions holds the key to recognizing your priorities.
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Why is Paris Burning?
Inside “secrets” provide perspective to current events in France — and the world — illuminating for us: why is Paris burning? Why is France, of all places, at the forefront of today’s upheavals?
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What Do You Dream About?
Discover how dreams offer you a glimpse into another reality, open up new channels of  creativity and intelligence, and transform your conscious existence.
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Strength in Face of Fear; Build What Our Enemy Seeks to Destroy
Learn how to deal with fears in face of menacing forces that threaten us and how to develop the courage and fortitude necessary to take on any challenge.
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Vayeitzei: Balance
The Torah chapters from the beginning of Genesis outline the story of our life’s mission and from here we can learn much about ourselves…
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