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“And they were extremely angry because he had committed a disgraceful act against Yisroel. (34:7)

This is the  first time that  the descendants of  Avrohom, Yitzchok and Yaakov  are referred to by the name Yisroel. The reference here appears even  before  Yaakov’s  name  was officially  changed  by  Hashem. The response  of the children of Yaakov to the terrible tragedy that befell their sister emanates from a people who are already Bnei Yisroel.  They already  feel a part of a nation that will  fight and sacrifice itself for the name of Hashem. The lofty concepts of ethics, virtue and  moral dignity, are inherent in this name. It is particularly significant that the first struggle by a…

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“And Dinah the daughter of Leah went out.” (34:1)

Rashi  comments:  “And  was  she  not  the daughter of Yaakov?  However because  of her  going forth she was called the daughter of Leah, since Leah was also one who went out,  as it is stated “and Leah went  out to greet him.”   Rashi mentions the  Midrash which relates  Dinah’s “going out” to that she was Leah’s daughter. When Leah went out to greet Yaakov there was a tinge of  immodesty in this “going out”, which reflected itself in her daughter’s  “going  out.”  There  is  a  lesson to be derived from this Midrash. We see that the actions of parents,…

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“And Yaakov was left alone and a man wrestled with him.” (32:25)

  Chazal  state that this “man” was really the angel of Eisav posing as a “man.” On the  surface, the story  is quite straightforward;  the angel waits until Yaakov is alone and  then attacks him.  However, there are greater ramifications in this struggle between Yaakov and Eisav’s angel. The Talmud relates the word “ecthu” (and he wrestled) to the word “ect” (dust). Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi said, “This teaches that the dust of their feet rose up to Hashem’s throne.” We  see from this that their struggle had enormous  implications that went beyond the physical aspect. This was a struggle…

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“And I have acquired oxen and donkeys.” (32:6)

“Oxen, this refers to Yosef; donkeys, this refers to Yisacher (Midrash Rabba). Yaakov  sent a message  to Eisav informing  him of his  vast wealth, in order to impress him,  so that he may  thereby gain favor in  his eyes. This Midrash comments that Yaakov’s reference to his ox and donkey is a metaphor  for  Yosef  and  Yisacher.  This  seems  puzzling!  Yaakov’s intention is to impress  Eisav with  his strength  and power.  Why then does he set forth the two sons who represent the spiritual dimension of the twelve tribes? Yosef who is famous for being the great tzadik and Yisacher…

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