Messages from November 2017

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3) Becoming an Entrepreneur of Self

November 24, 2017
Genesis
Vayetzei

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3) Becoming an Entrepreneur of Self This week’s Parsha ends with the pact made by Yaakov (Jacob) and Lavan (Laban) in Gilead. Yaakov and his family left Lavan’s home without telling him, and Lavan pursued and ultimately caught up with them. A formal treaty was made; neither would harm the other […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9) A Tent of One’s Own

November 17, 2017
Genesis
Toldot

The birth and development of two of the most seminal personalities in Jewish consciousness is the subject of this week’s Parsha. And the youths grew up, and Esau was a man who understood hunting, a man of the field, whereas Jacob was a wholesome man, dwelling in tents. (Genesis 25:27) Rashi quoting the Midrash interprets […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18) A Jewish Hero: Dignified, Satisfied, and Serene

November 10, 2017
Genesis
Chayei Sara

A Jewish Hero: Dignified, Satisfied, and Serene One of the most striking features about Judaism in comparison with, say, Christianity or Islam, is that it is impossible to answer the following question: Who is the central character of the drama of faith? In both of the other Abrahamic monotheisms the answer is obvious. In Judaism, […]

Rabbi O’s weekly Parsha: Vayeira (Genesis 18-22) Becoming the Person You Want as a Friend

November 3, 2017
Genesis
Vayera

Rabbi O’s weekly Parsha: Vayeira (Genesis 18 Imagine driving late at night on a deserted highway. Your car breaks down, there’s no cell phone reception, you do not have food or water, and there is no sign of civilization. All of the sudden, a car pulls over and a kind-hearted man asks if you need […]