ESAU’S CLOTHING There is a glaring question at the heart of this week’s parasha. Rebecca instructed Jacob to dress up as his brother, Esau and ‘steal’ the blessings from his father, Isaac. If Rebecca thought Esau was unworthy of receiving the blessing, why didn’t she communicate directly with her husband? There were good grounds for...
SARAH’S STRENGTHS The first verse of our parasha seems unnecessarily repetitive in its use of the word, ‘years.’: “And Sarah’s lifetime was one hundred years, twenty years and seven years, the years of Sarah’s lifetime.”(Bereishit 23:1) Our major commentator, Rashi (d. 1105) makes an observation that, at first glance, strains credulity. He says: The repetition...
THE TRACE OF G-D Can you break off a conversation with G-d? Abraham did! At the beginning of this week’s parasha G-d appears to Abraham as he was sitting by the entrance of his tent, looking for visitors. He spies three strangers approaching. Turning to G-d he says: “My L-d, if I have found favour...
RESPONSIBILITY Next Shabbat, 20th Marcheshvan, 4th November, is the third yahrzeit of Rabbi Lord Sacks, zichrono livracha. In tribute to his memory, you are invited to join me together with Rabbi Dr Raphi Zarum, the Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, as we explore the inner world of Rabbi Sacks – how he...
SHABBAT REST AND SHABBAT STRENGTH It was very special seeing so many of you in shul last Shabbat, both on Friday night and Shabbat day, raising your voices in prayer and song. When we come together at times of crisis, we all feel stronger. Please join us again this Shabbat. Large numbers of our soldiers...
