Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Eisav has an awesome hatred for Yaakov and is coming towards him with an army set out for destruction– and kisses Yaakov with love. Yaakov has fulfilled the Will of Hashem and everything works out. His learning, his davening, his tznius, and guarding the tznius of his wives and daughter; the whole deal and Yaakov is a success.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha, when Yaakov was informed that Esav’s army was approaching he immediately split up his camps, preparing the escape; then he was mispalel. Shouldn’t the tefila come first? Rashi (32:9) explains that “preparing for warfare” is manifested in splitting the camps for escape. How is running away preparing for warfare?
The Vilna Gaon explains that in the war that Klal Yisroel conducted in conquering Eretz Yisroel they used their swords against the enemy not by physical combat but rather by just pointing to them and thinking all kinds of tefilos. It would follow that Yaakov Avinu who was on a much higher level fighting with Esav would do the same, even without the swords. But having to make some hishtadlus it was manifested in the most subtle way possible, just by preparing for escape. This explains why it preceded tefila, since it demonstrated the epitome of bitachon.
We should all be worthy of closeness to Hashem and to fulfill His Will.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bsð
Parshas Vayishlach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Vayishlach Yaakov—Yaakov sent actual angels, powerful, spiritual emisarries to deal with Esav. This is the name and the theme of the parsha. It is imperative for us to realize that even to this very day we have accessibility to this power through the auspices of fulfilling the Will of Hashem. So pertinent. So pertinent
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
It is absolutely mind-boggling how Yaakov Avinu was successful in his historical rendezvous with Esav who initially had set out to annihilate Yaakov. We can attribute this to a number of significant factors but the main outstanding point is that he was following for what he understood was the dictates of Hashem. What a most significant, enlightening message—how critical and crucial it is to seek and follow the course of the Will of Hashem in the decisions of Klal Yisroel in general and in personal matters.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The Medrash in our sedra quotes a Chazal (76:1) that the observing of the process of sleep and waking should strengthen our belief in “techiyas hamaysim”—the restoring of life. This is the principle of using experiences as a source of inspiration and chizuk. Another amazing example the Chazal point out that we can have an insight for three kinds of love that Hashem has for us from the three types of love the pasuk quotes that the wicked son of Shchem displayed towards Dina.
Our daily lives are studded with experiences and observations of Hashem showing Himself to us for us to be inspired by.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The real success Yaakov Avinu had in his historical rendezvous with Esav can be attributed to his tefilos and his intimate connection with the Shechina. What a significant, relevant message there is for us today with the dangers lurking around us from the umos haolam.
Prepare for Chanukah which is getting true inspiration from the menorah, by connecting with the mitzvos that connect us to Hashem for example mezuzah, tzizis, tefilin and Shabbos. And have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5765)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our parsha we have one of the most outstanding, monumental events; the historical rendezvous between Yakov and Eisav. Contrary to the very calculated intentions of Eisav, Yaakov successfully defused and neutralized the whole destructive agenda. Despite its glaring success, Yaakov doesn’t escape the scrutiny of Chazal, the truth of the Torah and was criticized for not sufficiently verifying that his actions were the true will of Hashem, and completely appropriate. What a lesson of the extreme necessity and importance to constantly confirm that all our actions are daas Torah and the true Will of Hashem.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Vayishlach (5762)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
I was asked, wasn’t it wicked to kill the whole town of Shechem? I think the explanation is that they were supportive of the terrible atrocity to the point that they were willing to be circumsized which shows a tremendous commitment to the wickedness of Shechem, their leader.
We are living in a society and culture which has terrible ideas, ideals and condones wickedness. Just to mention a few—hard core pornography, the gays, abortions, leniency in the mixing of men and women, women’s lib. How much effort and care must be invested not be supportive of the wickedness of Esav.
Have a lovely Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas VaYishlach (5761)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In our Parsha we have the awesome, frightening rendezvous of Yaakov Avinu and his hate laden revengeful, all-powerful brother, Esav. Esav made a strong commitment to destroy; the concern of a pending catastrophe was real. However, Yaakov and his family came through this terrifying ordeal unharmed. What caused the change in Esav’s wicked program? Could it have possibly been (32:15) “The she goats and the he goats; the ewes and the rams”. Did the years and years of his bursting with boiling venom disappear with the gift of “nursing camels and their young; the cows and the bulls”? Can the terrible animosity dissipate with the “she donkeys and the he donkeys”? Something tremendous and awesome, yet subtle and unassuming, transpired; where and what was it?
The Pasuk (33:3) relates that Yaakov bowed to Esav seven times. His sons, the shvatim, also bowed and were looked upon by Hashem with dissatisfaction for this act. Yet, strangely enough, Yaakov Avinu was not criticized.
The sefer Nefesh HaChayim (shaar 3:!2) states that by establishing and concentrating in one’s heart the principle of the supremacy of HaShem, that there is nothing in the world with any intrinsic significance except HaShem and His power, one can unshackle himself from any potential threat of danger. The power and strength of this protection is in correlation to the strength of one’s ability to focus on this thought.
The Vilna Gaon explains that the success of Queen Esther was due to the control she exercised over Achashverosh by concetrating on this principle. While appearing to appease the king and appealing for his pity, her mind was involved in concentrating on “ein od milvado”. HaShem is the Supreme Ruler, He is everywhere and controls everything. “You Achashverosh don’t have any real power or existence”. She was actually exercising control over him, which was determined by the intensity of her ability to focus on this true realization.
The extreme difficulty with this is quite evident. It is the paradox of seeming to be concerned and obligated to the “physical”, and simultaneously giving it no significance in your mind.
We can now venture to say that when Yaakov Avinu appeared to be bowing down to Esav, his true focus was on “ein od Milvado”—Hashem the Supreme Ruler. Yaakov was in actuality “wrestling” with Esav and subduing him under his control with these thoughts. Amazing, as Rash quotes (33:4) “R’ Shimon ben Yochai declared—it is a fact that Esav hates Yaakov. However, that moment his pity was aroused and he kissed Yaakov with all his heart”. That was some control that Yaakov exercised!
When saying “HaShem Echad” twice daily in Shma Yisroel, we are in essence engaging in this mental activity of “ein od milvado”. Who knows how many miracles happen to us because of this.
sending...
You must be logged in to post a comment.