Rabbi L. Scheinbaum

“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…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayishlach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5751

“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,…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayishlach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5751

“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…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayishlach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayishlach, 5751

“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…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5751

“Are we not considered by him as strangers for he has sold us, and he has been using up the money given for us.” (31:15)

This conversation between Yaakov, Rachel and Leah seems rather strange and requires close study. When Yaakov informs his wives of Hashem’s command to leave Lavan’s home, he begins with a long explanation that Lavan no longer favored him and has cheated him many times. Only afterwards, does he tell them that it is Hashem’s command that they leave. Equally perplexing is Rochel and Leah’s response. Although they agreed with Yaakov they base their reasoning on the fact that Lavan is wicked and they will not inherit anything from him anyway. Is this the way to respond to Hashem’s command? They…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5751

“And Yaakov kissed Rachel, and he raised his voice and wept.” (29:11)

Rashi explains the reason Yaakov cried was because he had not brought any gifts for Rachel, since Elifaz, Eisav’s son, had waylaid him along the way and had taken all his possessions. Eisav had instructed Elifaz to kill Yaakov. But having grown up under Yitzchok’s guidance, Elifaz was in a dilemma. Should he follow his father’s orders or go against everything he had been taught by Yitzchok? It was Yaakov who helped him solve this problem by advising him to rob him of his possessions thereby impoverishing him. This would be considered as carrying out his father’s command since…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5751

“And of all that you will give me I will give a tenth of it to you.” (28:22)

Yaakov vows that from everything that he will receive from Hashem, he will give one tenth to charity. It may be noted from this verse that the mitzvah of charity does not apply only to monetary matters, but the mitzvah applies to anything one receives as Hashem’s gift. If one is blessed with wisdom and knowledge, it is imperative for him to share this gift with others who are not as fortunate as he. Rabbi Shimon Shkopf Zt”l remarked that just like one who is generous with his money merits that his possessions will increase, so too, if one is…

Home -> 5751 -> Vayeitzei

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Vayeitzei, 5751

“And he took from the stones of the place and put it under his head.” (28:11)

“All those stones were from the stones of the Altar. This refers to the Altar upon which his father Yitzchok was bound as a sacrifice to Hashem.” (Pirkei D’R’ Eliezer 35) This Midrash pinpoints the problem facing Jewish youth as they struggle for spiritual survival in today’s society. It is very hard for a child to battle alone against skepticism and apathy unless he knows that his father before him laid his head on the same stone, sacrificed and triumphed for the very same ideals. Furthermore, Chazal in Midrash Rabba comment along the same lines, that when Yaakov rested his…

Home -> 5751 -> Yisro

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Yisro, 5751

“And they said all that Hashem has spoken we will do.” (19:8) – “And all the people “saw” (perceived) the voices.” (20:15)

Rashi explains they saw that which should be heard. There is a famous saying that “seeing is believing”. It has never been suggested that hearing is believing. One may hear a lecture and be impressed so that he is emotionally moved. However, the response will not endure. He will go back to his way of thinking and original lifestyle. Judaism must be “seen” to be believed. It is stated in Tehilim: “Taste and see that Hashem is good.” At Har Sinai the Jewish people responded with “we will do” before they said “we will listen”. It is necessary to perform,…

Home -> 5751 -> Yisro

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Yisro, 5751

“Anyone who will touch the mountain will die.” (19:12)

The Chofetz Chaim applies this posuk as a lesson of the respect and reverence to be given to a Torah scholar. The Jewish people were instructed not to touch Har Sinai, due to its consecration as the place where the Torah would be given. This honor was extended to a harain, although it has no mind or feelings; how much more so should one be careful of in the respect afforded to a Torah scholar, one who has actually studied and absorbed the Torah. The Ateres Mordechai suggests a more homiletic approach. Often ulterior motives and personal interests can cloud…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Vayishlach ->

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

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

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

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

“Are we not considered by him as strangers for he has sold us, and he has been using up the money given for us.” (31:15)

“And Yaakov kissed Rachel, and he raised his voice and wept.” (29:11)

“And of all that you will give me I will give a tenth of it to you.” (28:22)

“And he took from the stones of the place and put it under his head.” (28:11)

“And they said all that Hashem has spoken we will do.” (19:8) – “And all the people “saw” (perceived) the voices.” (20:15)

“Anyone who will touch the mountain will die.” (19:12)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!