KNOWING that his end was near, Ya’akov began preparing for the “continuity of government.” The era of the Avos was going to end with his death, and he wanted to make sure that no one dropped the ball after it did. Thousands of years of history were at stake, and the destiny of the Jewish People yet to exist.
IT IS such a part of who we are, but shouldn’t be. Even “healthy” competition can be a dangerous thing because it can and often does lead to unhealthy competition.
SHABBOS Chanukah is usually Parashas Mikeitz. These two seemingly have little to do with each other.
IT IS always intriguing to see how differently people think from one another, although at other times, it is also very scary. In fact, as time goes on, it is becoming more scary than intriguing. It’s a big blessing to know the Truth, and an even bigger one to live by it.
ONE OF the most disturbing episodes in Avos history remains the violation of Dinah by Shechem. This is especially true in light of all the good that just happened for Ya’akov Avinu, surviving twenty years of an extremely corrupt father-in-law, defeating the angel and having his name changed to “Yisroel,” and leaving his “meeting” with Eisav in peace and not in pieces. It’s such a black stain on early Jewish history.
