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Purification from Contact with Corpse. Israelites Complain About Lack of Water. Purification from Contact with Corpse A pure man takes a hyssop and dips it in the water (that was prepared in the vessel) and sprinkles it upon the tent and the vessels and on anyone who was there as well as the one whoContinue reading “Chukas, 2nd Aliya”

The Red Heifer. Contact With Human Corpse. The Red Heifer G-d informs Moshe and Aaron regarding the rules of the “red heifer” which they are to relate to the Israelites. The rules of the red heifer are illogical in that the same ashes which purify one person, render the one who is purifying them impureContinue reading “Chukas, 1st Aliya”

Yosef Travels. His Brothers Plot. Joseph’s brothers go to pasture in the fields of Shchem. However they become more interested in “pasturing” themselves, indulging in food and drink, which is what ultimately leads to their downfall.  Jacob (now called Israel), tells Joseph to go to his brothers in Shchem and report back about how theyContinue reading “VaYeshev, 2nd Aliya”

Yaakov and Yosef Now begins a much more detailed accounting of Jacob’s family and the events surrounding it than was given for Esav’s (see previous few posts). We see a similar pattern in Chumash with the generations between Adam to Noach and Noach to Avraham, where those in-between generations are briefly enumerated however it isContinue reading “VaYeshev, 1st Aliya”

Seir’s Lineage. Edomite Kings. The Horites inhabited the land before Esav got there. They were experts in the land and knew what to plant where. Seir was the main chief of the land.  These are Seir’s sons: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, Dishon, Ezer and Dishan.  And now for Seir’s grandsons: Through Lotan: Chori and Heimam.Continue reading “Vayishlach, 7th Aliya”

Yaakov’s Lineage G-d tells Jacob that he will give the land that he promised to Abraham and Isaac to him.  Jacob sets up a rock as a pillar and pours oil on it and calls the area Beth El. They journey towards Ephrat. There’s an opinion that it was plowing season (springtime) and thus theContinue reading “VaYishlach, 6th Aliyah”

Shchem and Other Travels Dina took after her mother Leah who liked to go out and explore. Unfortunately, when going out to explore the city of  Shchem, Chamor (the prince of the city)’s son (who like the city was also named Shchem) raped her. Shchem fell in love with Dina and tried to seduce herContinue reading “VaYishlach, 5th Aliya”

Yaakov and Esav’s Encounter Jacob’s family comes forward and bows to Esav. They approached in the following order: First, the maidservants and their children followed by Leah and her children, followed by Yosef (Rochel’s son) and Rochel.  Rochel is the only woman whose child precedes her. This is because Yosef knew how beautiful his motherContinue reading “VaYishlach, 4th Aliya”

Yaakov and Esav Meet Jacob calls the area that he wrestled with the angel “Pni-El” (literally “the face of G-d”) since that was where he “saw G-d’s face and G-d saved him”. He limps and the sun rises in order to heal him.  The area that the angel struck Jacob is a sinew on theContinue reading “VaYishlach, 3rd Aliya”

Yaakov Wrestles With the Angel Jacob spends the night on Mount Gilad and sets aside Esav’s gift. There is an opinion that the gift was precious stones or pearls. There is also an opinion that Jacob only set aside Esav’s gift after tithing.  He then set aside male and female animals and told his servantsContinue reading “Vayishlach, 2nd Aliya”