As Esau was responsible for his own choices in parashat Toledot, so was Jacob responsible for his choices. In his dream, he is not concerned with whether it was real or not, but in creating language that portrayed its mystical nature.
We are told that Isaac loved Esau, but we don’t know why. Didn’t Isaac see that Esau was a man of the outdoors, rather than a contemplative man of God? Surely, he must have known that Esau was a mercurial personality, marrying two Hittite women.
Rabbi Kipnes and Cantor Cotler apply Pardes—The Orchard of Torah Study—to Chanukah. They start with the Book of Maccabbees, which stated that the days of purification and triumph were like the days of Sukkot, establishing the annual celebration.
Rabbi Cantor Mariana Gindlin recorded this Chanukah message & song.
Hazzanim Amy Katz and Elisa Walzman sing Samachti B’Omrim Li, composed by Charles Osborn, on a text from Psalm 122.
Cantors Bryce Megdal and Alyssa Rosenbaum sing Cantor Rosenbaum’s original Bossa Nova take on Shalom Aleichem.
Chaplain Wuhrman has recently published a book, “Moxie”, which will be released in 2023. In her book, she addresses issues relating to growth through grief.
In this parashah, the text emphasizes chesed, which is central to the Jewish value system. He cites Rev Simlai, who taught that the Torah begins and ends with an act of kindness: God clothes the naked and God buries Moses. Many see chesed as even higher than tzedakah.
Rabbi writes about changing the world, using the lessons from parashat Vayeira; hospitality, kindness, meaningful dialogue, courage. In times of crisis, human actions can change biblical events.
Please check out the YouTube video below for a beautiful rendition of Hashkiveinu by Cantor Lisa Peicott to prepare you for the next Shabbat.