Back in 1996, Rabbi Finman was asked to speak to the niece of one of his students. After spending many hours answering her questions, the woman gave Rabbi Finman her e-mail address. Rabbi Finman wrote the woman a note and included in it a short insight into that week's Parsha and a short Chasidic story.
Realizing that this was something no one was yet doing,, Rabbi Finman sent the missive to his mailing list of about 30 people. Requests from recipients friends came pouring in. The next week Rabbi Finman sent the e-Parsha to 100 people. Within a year more than 2000 people were receiving it. Today, more than 14,000 receive the e-Parsha weekly and the requests keep coming in.
Vayishlach 5784
Vayeitzei 5784
Toldos 5784
Chaya Sora 5784
Vayera 5784
Vayishlach 5784
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This week's YouParsha http://youtu.be/Ht7y5VNL4dU Jacob Returns Complete
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It states at the end of Parshas Vayishlach that Eisav took his wives and left the land to his brother Yaakov. The verse stipulates the reason that the land could not sustain both of them since they were so rich. Rashi-classic Bible commentator- adds that Eisav wanted no part of the decree that the inhabitants of the land of Israel would suffer 400 years of hardship.
Rashi's explanation answers the question why Eisav moved away and not Yaakov (since they both had so many possessions). Eisav moved away as he was afraid of what would happen to him and his family were he to stay in Israel. This proves that he maintained no inherent connection to the land.
The Jewish people have always viewed Israel as a focal point. Eleven of the 19 blessings of the silent devotion recited three times daily, concern our return to Israel. Jews suffered for the land of Israel. Jews fought and died for more than 3000 years for the land of Israel. It is a land that belongs to the Jews. All others need not apply.
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Reb Yisroel of Polotsk would often travel to Lubavitch to visit the Tzemach Tzedek - third Lubavitcher Rebbe. He once heard the Rebbe quote the Kabalistic text Sefer Habohir stating that when Avrohom was alive G'd's attribute of kindness complained to the Almighty that it had nothing to do. Avrohom had usurped its job. The Rebbe explained that Avraham was at an even higher level than this divine attribute because Avraham was able to manifest this quality even in the physical world. This accomplishment is made possible by the special power of the Jewish soul.
Reb Yisroel went back to his town totally enthused. His first day back at the market, he went to his friend Chaim for loan. He then loaned this money to his other friend Mordechai. Every day, Yisroel would borrow and lend money as a way of embodying kindness.
On his next trip to Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek requested that Yisroel visit him privately. The Rebbe quizzed him of his daily practices. When Yisroel told the Rebbe about his borrowing and lending to increase kindness in the world, the Rebbe smiled broadly and blessed him. The Rebbe's youngest son, Shmuel-later to be known as the Rebbe Maharash-asked his father why he had showered such attention on that simple shopkeeper. Answered the Tsemech Tsedek, "I saw he was enveloped by a pillar of divine light, the sublime light of Divine Kindness."
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Listen Weekly to the Jewish Hour Podcast. www.rabbifinman.com/radio. Now available on iTunes, spotify, audacy and wherever you park your podcasts.
The Torah e-Parsha is a project of Jewish Ferndale. For information on sponsoring the Torah e-Parsha in memory or for the recovery of a loved one, in honor of a simcha or you just feel like being nice, contact via reply. All contributions are tax deductible. Please forward this message to as many friends and associates as you like. © 2023 by Herschel Finman.
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In memory of Yisroel Yaakov ben Hirsh Leib – Niftar Kislev 26, 5783 and
Chana bas Dovber HaLevi Niftar Teves 8, 5783.
Chaim Elozar ben Dovber HaLevi Niftar Lag B'Omer 5783
May their families be comforted among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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Listen Weekly to the Jewish Hour Podcast. www.rabbifinman.com/radio. Now available on iTunes, spotify, audacy, and wherever you park your podcasts.
The Torah e-Parsha is a project of Jewish Ferndale. For information on sponsoring the Torah e-Parsha in memory or for the recovery of a loved one, in honor of a simcha or you just feel like being nice, contact via reply. All contributions are tax deductible. Please forward this message to as many friends and associates as you like. © 2023 by Herschel Finman.
Contact Rabbi Finman for information on sponsoring the e-Parsha
