Tag: Jacob

Haftarah for Vayechi

Haftarah for Vayechi

The parashah and haftarah both focus on a leader’s nearing death (Jacob and David) and their final pronouncements to their sons.
Haftarah for Vayetzei (Ashkenazi Custom)

Haftarah For Vayetzei (Ashkenazi Custom)

The haftarah connects to the parashah by linking Jacob’s guarding of sheep to God’s care for Israel, first for Jacob and then to Bnei Israel. ...
Haftarah for Va-yishlach

Haftarah for Va-yishlach

The haftarah connects to the parashah through Jacob and Esau in the early biblical period, and Israel and Edom in the later period.
Haftarah for Vayetzei (Sefardic Custom)

Haftarah for Vayetzei (Sefardic Custom)

The haftarah follows Jacob’s journey, focusing on his struggles with Esau and the angel, tying back to Israel’s guile as mentioned in Hosea.
Haftarah for Tol'dot

Haftarah for Tol’dot

The haftarah and parashah connect as Malachi highlights God’s love for Jacob and rejection of Esau, the ancestors of Israel and Edom.
Why Do Jews Pray 3 Times a Day?

Why Do Jews Pray 3 Times a Day?

Our tradition mandates we pray three times a day, but why? There are 2 theories. But, we might ask: What does it mean to pray?
The Rabbis' Boogeyman: Learning About Forgiveness

The Rabbis’ Boogeyman: Learning About Forgiveness

What can we learn about forgiveness from the Rabbis' boogeyman? Esau is that boogeyman but we can learn from his relationship with Jacob.
Birkat Yeladim: Blessing Children

Birkat Yeladim: Blessing Children

Read more on how to preform Birkat Yeladim, the blessing over our children, and where the blessing and practice come from.
Dinah: An Unexpected Trans Story

Dinah: An Unexpected Trans Story

Based on rabbinic midrash from tractate Berakhot, Dinah can be read either as a trans woman or, as this piece argues, a closeted trans man.

How do you Solve a Problem Like Esav?

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover teaches: Life is not a zero-sum and one of the keys is to recognize that people grow and change.
Encountering the Shema: 7 Questions

Encountering the Shema: 7 Questions

Rabbi Mordecai Miller reflects on the Shema with 7 questions: Throughout my life, I’ve tried to understand what this sentence really means.