At the end of this week's parasha, after all of their interactions, the Torah tells us that Yaakov and Lavan part ways. When describing Yaakov's departure, the Torah says, "Ve Ya'akov Halach Le Darkoh / and Ya'akov went on his way." When describing Lavan's departure, the Torah says, "Vayelech, vayashav Lavan limkomo / and Lavan went and returned to his place." Although the psukim can be understood on the simplest level, I heard an interesting insight into these words....

Last week, we read the story of how our forefather Jacob 'stole' his brother Esau's blessing. With the blessing, Jacob begins his journey to become Israel and to become the father of the Jewish people, known as the Children of Israel. He uses Esau's signs (his clothes, hairy arms, and aromatic delicacies) to pretend that he is Esau when it is difficult for his father to see, and when Esau discovers Jacob has stolen his blessing, he cries out in shame and pain....

In this week's parasha, Yitzhak is said to have prayed to God opposite his wife. What does it mean that he prayed opposite his wife? On a surface level, we read and understand that Yitzhak prayed on one side of the room and Rivkah on the other side. However, there are some opinions which suggest that Yitzhak prayed facing his wife...

A few weeks ago, we spoke about how it is difficult to be an Avraham - to be someone who stands up for what is right, even if it means being different from everyone else. But sometimes it's just as hard, or even harder to be a Yitzhak - to be someone who continues on the path of faith, instead of giving up, or trying something else. Yitzhak represents continuity...