WEEKLY TORAH
WEEKLY TORAH
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PARSHAT VAYESHEV
This Shabbat we bless the new month of Tevet and Rosh Chodesh is Shabbat December 20th (6th day of Chanukah) and Sunday.
Last week, we found Eisav approaching his brother Yaakov with an army of four hundred men. Yaakov divided his people into two camps, prayed to Hashem for protection and prepared gifts to appease his brother.
One has to wonder why his praying wasn't enough. Why did Yaakov take defensive measures and offer gifts when he already had Hashem's blessing? Was this a lapse of faith? Quite the contrary, say our sages. Yaakov's faith was strong. What he doubted was his own merit. He wondered if he was living up to his potential and pleasing Hashem with his actions. He questioned whether he truly deserved Hashem's protection.
We find a similar situation when Aharon, Moshe's brother, was offered the High Priesthood. He doubted his own qualifications. It seems that the righteous tend to doubt their own worthiness. Perhaps, that is part of what makes them so worthy.
The righteous also seem to have little tranquility in this world. Yaakov must have thought that once he had survived his exile in the house of Lavan, his confrontation with Eisav and his travail with Shechem, he could live the rest of his life in peace. This week, Yaakov faces the loss of his son Yosef, sold into slavery by Yaakov's other sons (Bereshit 37:28).
The Torah describes several instances of feuding siblings such as Yosef and his brothers, and Yaakov and Eisav. There are also shining examples of brotherly love and cooperation as with Moshe and Aharon. What can we learn from these eternal Torah lessons?
One thing parents can do is raise their children to be the unique individuals they were created to be rather than compete with each other. While Yaakov and Eisav vied for the first blessing and Yosef and his brothers fancied themselves as leaders, Moshe and Aharon had distinct roles. Separate yet equal, Moshe became our greatest leader while Aharon, the Holy Kohain Gadol.
Kol Tov! Our best to you...it's all good. Shabbat Shalom! CM
CHADISH FORUM - PLEASE TELL US
Do you know a family where sibling rivalry has been an issue? What advice can you give them based on your understanding of Torah personalities?
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