Parshas Vayishlach 5786           This encounter that Yaakov has with Eisav encompasses the way of interacting in this last long galus. Eisav comes with intention to kill, Yaakov prepares with prayers , gifts and bribes toward merit,  appeasement and war.  Eisav in this moment is appeased.  The last step he offers to walk together, and Yaakov answers, you go on ahead, the children are young and the animals, it will take us a long time. We will make our way slowly.  Choosing for us this long...

Hatachas Elokim Anochi? Am I in the place of G-d? Yaakov Avinu replies to Rachels pain with anger.  He is faulted for this response, because it goes against what each partner in a relationship is able  to do.  The holiness and bond of marriage is based on the power of the male and female combining, to create something exponentially greater than its parts. When a wife believes in her husband, she creates for him (through her hope) the space for him to grow as big as she can envision....

We have been living in an Eisav world over 2000 years.  Rome intended to unite its empire ideology through one religion, forced upon its conquered nations, or die.  Over time and societies, the methods of spreading the ideology has become more veneer civilized and refined,. The last method Eisav tries, when he came to kill Yakov Avinu with 400 men, is through apparent kindness, and surface friendliness, because it suited the moment.      What is the ideology?  Might makes right, and whoever...