Yaakov sent Yosef to his brothers in Shechem. Although there was a degree of tension between him and his brothers, nonetheless he obeyed his father and went to check up on them. Eventually he became lost and encountered someone, unbeknownst to him that it was an angel, and he was told that they had relocated to Dosan.
This is a pretty common cliché with which we are familiar. However, did we ever think that our great Patriarch Yaakov would also suffer from fear? After all, Hashem guaranteed him that he would return to his father’s home safe and sound. Even though he was now facing a powerful adversary Eisav who was approaching with what seemed to be a formidable army, just as the Egyptian forces were routed when they left bondage, so too, Hashem could destroy them in an instant. And, of course, Yaakov was surely aware of this. So why was he frightened?
Although literally words themselves do not murder others, however, the power of speech is undeniably true. When Lavan pursued Yaakov to retrieve his idols that Rochel stole, he commented to Lavan that the one who has those idols should die.
Eliezer was on a mission. Avrohom sent him back to his origins to find a wife for Yitzchok. Rivka appeared and seemed to fit the bill because she was so helpful and sincere which was exactly the wife that would suit Yitzchok. They went back to her house and were greeted by Lavan, certainly not an outstanding individual but Rivka’s brother.
The Midrash states that when Avrohom was five years old he recognized that Hashem is the sovereign ruler of the universe. Certainly, a great accomplishment for anyone and especially for a youngster specifically indoctrinated with the concept of idol worship and part of society that disdained any belief in a supreme Creator
Perhaps one of the biggest questions of life is why are some people blessed with wealth while others struggle financially. Are those who have difficulty making ends meet necessarily evil people that don’t deserve an easier life? Or is there a more profound answer to this question?
The flood was a global devastation. Mankind was fundamentally eradicated. Only a few select people survived that horrific situation. Yet can we blame the people of that generation? Did they realize the extent of their sins or even imagine the eventual punishment that they would incur?
This week we are introduced to the mitzvah of bringing the first fruits to the Beis Hamikdash. The farmer brings them and places the basket brimming full of his produce by the altar expressing his thanksgiving to Hashem for his bounty. He articulates a litany of previous episodes in our history regaling the kindness of Hashem throughout our past.
We are allowed to offer voluntary sacrifices in the Beis Hamikdash. After our decision to self-obligate then we must fulfill our mandate. Postponing that commitment is prohibited and if one does delay its fulfillment after a certain period of time, than he transgresses the mitzvah of a self-imposed vow.
We are commanded not to plant any type of tree including one that is used for idol worship near the altar upon which we sacrifice our offerings. Why would such an innocuous act of planting a tree near the altar be prohibited? Also, how would one come to plant, of all things, a tree used for idol worship amidst the area that we utilize to serve Hashem?