The greatest aspect of life is to recognize and realize the creative power which we see all around us. As we grow older and, supposedly, wiser we appreciate the creative power, which is the deepest source of our being, to become co-creators with G-D.
We affirm that creation is not a one time, long ago, far off event, but rather it is here and now and takes place in us and through us. We are G-D like in human form with our creative abilities, producing a whole new dimension to our existence.
As we take hold of this amazing role as human beings, we must project greater human strength, that will encourage us to reach out and call for power beyond our limitations,
As we take hold of this amazing role as human beings, we must project greater human strength, that will encourage us to reach out and call for power beyond our limitations,
"Where do we begin"?
This Shabbat our Torah reading, Vayishlach, relates a fascinating episode in the life of our Patriarch Yaakov. We learn that Yaakov's brother Esau is approaching him with a large retinue of armed men.
At this point in time Yaakov experiences a fascinating dream. He wrestles with a formidable opponent and emerges from this wrestling match injured, which causes him to walk with a limp. Yaakov, also, undergoes a name change. Instead of Yaakov, a name that depicts a person holding on to someone else, lacking a sense of independence, now he will be called Yisrael,, “One who has wrestled with G-D and with man and has persevered.”
It is well to realize that at this encounter with his adversary, Yaakov was injured, and והוא צולע על ירכו, he walked away limping into his future. With this infirmity, there is a very important message being transmitted to Yaakov/ Yisrael at this point in his life and even, more so, a lesson for all future generations.
Yaakov always seemed to be running away from his responsibilities. After he received the Blessing from his Father Yitzchak, in fear of Esau, he runs. Later in life, he runs away from Lavan in the middle of the night without informing him of his decision. He is now faced again with Esau. I sense Yaakov was thinking, "Let me run away so I don't have to face up to my brother Esau.” At that point the ‘wrestling’ dream came about, resulting in an injury that made him limp, restricting him physically and emotionally to continue to be a ‘runner in life.’
We learn from this episode, “No more running away. Stand up to your adversaries and to your responsibilities of Yisrael and discard the garb of a Yaakov, an escapist from life.”
This is why we are prohibited to eat the גיד הנשה, the sciatic nerve of animals. It is a reminder of the wrestling match of Yaakov, and his injury. It is to inspire the Jewish People not to
This Shabbat our Torah reading, Vayishlach, relates a fascinating episode in the life of our Patriarch Yaakov. We learn that Yaakov's brother Esau is approaching him with a large retinue of armed men.
At this point in time Yaakov experiences a fascinating dream. He wrestles with a formidable opponent and emerges from this wrestling match injured, which causes him to walk with a limp. Yaakov, also, undergoes a name change. Instead of Yaakov, a name that depicts a person holding on to someone else, lacking a sense of independence, now he will be called Yisrael,, “One who has wrestled with G-D and with man and has persevered.”
It is well to realize that at this encounter with his adversary, Yaakov was injured, and והוא צולע על ירכו, he walked away limping into his future. With this infirmity, there is a very important message being transmitted to Yaakov/ Yisrael at this point in his life and even, more so, a lesson for all future generations.
Yaakov always seemed to be running away from his responsibilities. After he received the Blessing from his Father Yitzchak, in fear of Esau, he runs. Later in life, he runs away from Lavan in the middle of the night without informing him of his decision. He is now faced again with Esau. I sense Yaakov was thinking, "Let me run away so I don't have to face up to my brother Esau.” At that point the ‘wrestling’ dream came about, resulting in an injury that made him limp, restricting him physically and emotionally to continue to be a ‘runner in life.’
We learn from this episode, “No more running away. Stand up to your adversaries and to your responsibilities of Yisrael and discard the garb of a Yaakov, an escapist from life.”
This is why we are prohibited to eat the גיד הנשה, the sciatic nerve of animals. It is a reminder of the wrestling match of Yaakov, and his injury. It is to inspire the Jewish People not to
be escape artists in dealings with others. It is especially a lesson for our glorious State of Israel, to stand up to our adversaries and not to fear facing them directly and to tell the world, “The Jewish People are no longer the Yaakov's of the universe. We are now Yisrael. We are now a people, who, with the help of G-D, will act with strength and fortitude for our survival.
Let the world know we have created a new Jew that respects others but expects respect from others as well.
Let the world know we have created a new Jew that respects others but expects respect from others as well.
It is 70 years since the signing of the Balfour Declaration. During these seventy years we are proudly showing the world what we are truly made of. The Yaakov of the past has become the Yisrael of the present and of the future.
We are no longer limping, for we are no longer running away from our destiny and from our
G-Dly ordained legacy. We are no longer limping, for we are no longer running away from our destiny and from our
Judaism posits the belief in G-D with insights that enable us to discern right and wrong and which has empowered us with ability to make life's decisions in a truly magnificent way.
שבת שלום ומבורך
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