Isaac
When a person never waivers from the purity of the land, the purity of the land never waivers from the person.
The first person to be born Jewish, Isaac was purity personified, never leaving the land of Israel, then called Canaan. Isaac resembled his father Abraham. The binding of Isaac occurred when he was 37. At 40, Isaac married Rebecca. 20 years later they had twins, Jacob and Esau. In his later years, Isaac’s eyesight would weaken, one of the reasons given is so that Isaac would not see Esau’s destructive ways. Living in Hebron at the age of 180 Isaac passed away and was laid to rest in the Double Cave, along with his parents and wife.
The Frontier of Self
When we speak of the Akeidah, we also speak of those who trod the path this great deed blazed. Of the countless thousands who died for the creed of Abraham.
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The Binding of Isaac: Event and Edifice
It is significant that Abraham bound his son on the site of the future altar, destined to embody the human commitment in the relationship between man and G-d.
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Father and Son: Abraham and Isaac
Despite the fact that Abraham and Isaac embodied different approaches to life, the father and son had a respectful and symbiotic relationship. Learn a quick lesson on parents and children from this Torah story.
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Vayeitzei: Marriage: Destiny or Chance?
Is marriage predestined or dependent on your efforts? There are many opinions but all agree that though G-d’s predestined it we have the power to change it.
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Why We Bless Each Other With a “Good and Sweet Year”
The meaning behind the phrase “sweet new year” is examined in relation to the concepts of judgment and concealment.
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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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Vayera: Religious Selfishness
Abraham gave us the power to challenge G-d, asking Him to shift destiny. This we must when it comes to standing next to fellow Jews in defiance against G-d.
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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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