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Why, in relating Avraham’s death, does the word ,nhu, and (he) died, precede Avraham’s name, while concerning Yitzchak, it mentions ,nhu after Yitzchak’s name? Horav Moshe Feinstein z.l., explains that Yishmael repented prior to Avraham’s death. Consequently, the Torah states that Avraham died b’seivah tovah, in a good old age.  He lived to see both of his sons live a virtuous life. They followed in his Torah path. The mention of his good name and exalted reputation filled them with pride. Indeed, Avraham lived on through the legacy he imparted to his sons.  For this reason Avraham’s death is mentioned…

Rashi explains that Yaakov was telling Eisav, “Despite my stay with Lavan, I have still been able to observe the taryag, 613, mitzvos, and I did not learn his evil deeds.” Horav Yitzchak Z. Soloveitchik z.t.l. once met the Rav of Hamburg. During the conversation, the Rav explained how Yaakov was able to live in the presence of the evil Lavan and remain pure. Yaakov himself gave the reason for his success, when he said, “I have (an) ox and donkey.” As far as Yaakov was concerned, Lavan was equal to an ox or donkey. To Yaakov there was no…

Upon hearing the grim news that Eisav was approaching, Yaakov was gripped with a terrifying fear. He immediately began preparing for this confrontation. He prepared for battle, prayed ardorously to Hashem, and did teshuvah, repentance. Fear can either be a remarkable asset or a debilitating hindrance. Horav A.H. Lebowitz, Shlita, cites the Midrash which describes another fear experienced by Yaakov’s descendants, centuries later at the time of the miracle of Purim. When Haman’s decree to annihilate every Jew in the Persian Empire, was issued, the Jews searched for a similar precedent in history.  The initial response of the past would…

Does it matter which name we use to refer to Yaakov?  Indeed, the name Yisrael is the name by which his descendants are called.  This appellation is not merely Yaakov’s new name, it actually describes the Jewish mission.  The Kovner Rav, Horav A. Shapiro z.t.l., notes that the name Yaakov has no plural construct. There are no “Yaakovim”! The term Yisraelim is applied whenever we refer to a group of Jews.  Consequently, he suggests that the name Yaakov applies to the Jew as an individual, alone and reclusive.  The solitary Jew becomes the prime focus for “Eisav’s” angel. He is…

Horav A. Miller, Shlita, states that this “dwelling” was not intended to be a permanent residence. Hashem only wanted Yaakov to stop and take an accounting of what had happened until the present. The purpose of this “dwelling” was to avail Yaakov the opportunity for contemplation, so that he could reflect upon all the wonders which Hashem had created for him. Considering this information was not sufficient. It was incumbent upon him to allocate a specific time to meditate and appreciate all the good which Hashem had done for him. Every experience was part of a chain of events specifically…

Rashi cites the Midrash that questions Dinah’s whereabouts. He explains that Yaakov, fearing Eisav’s desire for Dinah, hid her in a chest in order to prevent Eisav from seeing her. For denying Eisav this opportunity, Hashem punished Yaakov by causing Dinah to fall into the hands of Shechem. As the Midrash states, Hashem reprimanded Yaakov, saying: “You prevented the possibility of a kindness to your brother; she will instead be taken by an enemy. You denied her marriage to one who is circumcised; she will instead marry an uncircumcised infidel. You refused her marriage in a permitted fashion; she will…