Jacob
Hear, O Israel, our father, we dedicate our lives to revealing the One in all things.
After running away from his brother Esau, Jacob marries the sisters Rachel and Leah (and their maidservants) and the twelve tribes of Israel are born. Wrestling with an angel leaves Jacob limping and with a new name – Israel. When famine strikes the land of Canaan, Jacob and the family Israel descends to Egypt, where they reunite with Joseph. Jacob lives in Egypt for seventeen years. Before his passing, Jacob calls in all the tribes, our grandparents, and blesses them to continue the legacy and purpose begun with Abraham – to turn this fragmented universe into a unified home for the Divine. In a royal funeral, Jacob is accompanied back up to Israel where he is buried in Hebron with his wife and ancestors.
Name and Number
In the Book of Shmot, G-d counts and names the Children of Israel as they head into Egypt and again at their deaths to show His infinite love for them.
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Forbidden Piety
Ultimately, we must recognize and utilize the fact that the Torah is the only source of life and well-being for the Jew, both spiritually and physically.
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Jacob’s Oath
An integral part of G-d’s dwelling is a human self for whom “G-d is my G-d”—for whom a life in the service of the Almighty is deeply satisfying.
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Oil and Rock
Oil represents a person’s self-abnegation and submission to G-d. Only one who has totally abnegated his own will to that of G-d is capable of true sacrifice.
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Double Identity
Discover how we, as Jews, contain both elements of the name Jacob and Israel. Learn about our double identity as Servants of G-d and Children of G-d.
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The Disposable Self
The closer one comes to G-d, the more one realizes one’s own insignificance in the face of the divine infinity.
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Joseph’s Calf
Jacob and Joseph teach us about our responsibility for things that are in our control and even that which happens outside of our control.
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Mixed Feelings
Jacob teaches us the proper perspective of exile; refusing to become reconciled with it or accepting it as a state that is normal or comfortable.
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Few and Deficient
Jacob teaches us what it means to lead a righteous life; a life of purpose, altruism and compassion.
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