Monthly Archives: December 2016

Parshas Miketz -Pharoh’s Dream and Its Message to Us

Posted on December 25, 2016 by jewishspectacles

In Paroh’s dream, he saw a group  of some contented, fat cows who end up joined at their grazing land by some skinny cows.  The verse tells us that the cows stood next to each other — fat and skinny just there.  Upon … Continue reading →

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Life’s Struggles- Man, you were actually born to struggle!

Posted on December 21, 2016 by jewishspectacles

In this week’s Torah portion begins the sad saga of Yosef being sold into slavery by his brothers.  The words of this Parsha begins with  “vayayshev Yaakov” which, roughly translated, means And Yaakov Settled.   RASHI:  Beekaysh Yaakov Lay’shayv b’shalva … Continue reading →

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Disabling Our Fears by Counting Our Victories

Posted on December 17, 2016 by jewishspectacles

I was on the conference call, the once-a-week study line that was my treat.  We were learning the Parsha (Vayishlach) and got to that famous scenario, the angel and Yaakov, the epic struggle of bad against good.  The dust rose, … Continue reading →

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Good Stays Constant — Evil Changes Its Name Constantly

Posted on December 15, 2016 by jewishspectacles

My father taught us a long while ago a profound lesson about those who hate us. He told us to look carefully at the account of Yaakov and his struggle with the evil angel.  The angel asks Yaakov his name, … Continue reading →

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Why G-d Loves Prayers of Righteous

Posted on December 9, 2016 by jewishspectacles

In previous Torah portions, we learned of the childlessness of Yitzchok and Rivka.  We are taught they did not have children right away, just as Sara.  And in this week’s Torah portion, we learn that Rochel did not have children … Continue reading →

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YAAKOV’S PRAYER – the challenge to staying on the good and true

Posted on December 8, 2016 by jewishspectacles

Yaakov, having run away from danger, is heading to his future and to his marriage.  On the way, he dreams a dream, one in which G-d reassures him that all will be well in the end, for him and for … Continue reading →

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Of Galus Learning & Also of Practicality in Observance

Posted on December 7, 2016 by jewishspectacles

PARSHAS VAYATZAY – and he went out The Parsha begins with the verse “and he went out…and he went…”  Really it should just say he went.  What is the meaning of the word Va’yay’tzay here.  RASHI:  to show us that … Continue reading →

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Eisav, Yaakov, Marshmallows and Eternal Gratification in Parshas Toldos

Posted on December 1, 2016 by jewishspectacles

They were born, two boys, twins, Yaakov and Eisav; but they had vastly different natures.  Yet, as you learn the Torah Portion of Toldos and you see with what nature Eisav was blessed, it seems to you, perhaps, that the … Continue reading →

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