Esau
A man of the field, a warrior, this twin fathered the western world.
Rebecca gave birth to twin boys. One yearned for the tents of spirit; the other for the coliseums of matter. Esau was born first; then tricked out of the birthright by Jacob. Esau sculpted his body, honed his sword, and lived and dies by it. Esau fathered Edom, Rome and the western world. This branch of the family tree would destroy the second temple and exile the descendents of Jacob, the children of Israel, for the past two millennia. Perhaps, today, more than in other period of world history, the offspring of Esau the warrior have begun to wipe their knives clean and embrace the children of their grandfather’s twin.
Vayishlach: Giving In Difficult Times
The words of the Zohar speak for themselves. They tell us in no uncertain terms that we must stand against any voice and challenge (including economic conditions) that argues against supporting (or weakening our support of) good causes.
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The Dust of History
The cosmic struggle to reconcile spirit and matter are captured in the story of Jacob and Esau and the battle between these two opposing forces.
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Vayeitzei: Before the Battle
Jacob’s descent to Charan and subsequent struggles in Laban’s household represent our own difficulties in this world, and indicate the necessity of bringing light to the darkest places.
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Toldot: The Power of Human Exertion
Who fully grasps a concept, one who immediately comprehends it, or one who must struggle to understand it? Part five of Samech Vov discusses this question, and examines the value of human exertion.
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Bamidbar: After 3316 Years How Far Are We From Sinai?
Parshat Bamidbar: Sinai created an interface bridging heaven & earth, giving us the power to fuse matter & spirit entirely without compromising either or.
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Vayeishev: Kislev 19 in Babylon
History is a continuum. Peace in our lifetime will only be possible if we make peace with the rifts of our past, acclimating the world to our own souls.
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Pekudei: Two Faces of Esau
The story of Esau’s wedding leads to a two-faced world where some people struggle with G-d and justice while others demonstrate great pride in their faith.
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