Ch. 28:10-22. The first part of this class is a review of Eisav’s qualities, then Rabbi Aaron jumps right into the question: Did Yaakov ‘steal’ his brother’s blessing for the sake of G-d? If yes, then how do we explain his experiences with the ultimate con-artist, his future father-in-law. Lavan? Listen Now … [Read more...]
Toldot 4 – Yaakov and Esav: Sale of Birthright
May 3, 2011 by
Ch. 25:27-34. This class is a profile of the personalities of Yaakov and Eisav, and their relationships to their parents, Isaac and Rivka. Through a passage in the Zohar, Rabbi Aaron illuminates the true and balanced personality of Yaakov, which clarifies exactly why he was the right son to continue his father’s sacred mission. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Toldot 3 – Rivka’s Pregnancy
May 3, 2011 by
Ch. 25:19 - 25:28. Parents’ relationship to their children and vice versa are discussed within the context of Rivka’s pregnancy. Rivka, unknowingly pregnant with twins who will be heirs to the sacred mission of fixing the world, is afraid that the imperfect parts of herself have spawned only one very difficult child. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Lech Lecha 6 – Abraham, the Brit, Partnership with G-d
May 3, 2011 by
Ch. 17:1-16. Here, Rabbi Aaron addresses covenant, circumcision, and what Avraham could do for G-d. Hashem, the nurturing G-d, gives Avraham an opportunity to acquire an identity that can stand face to face with his Maker. The differences between men and women are also discussed. Listen Now … [Read more...]
Lech Lecha 5 – The Eternal Inheritance of the Land
May 3, 2011 by
Ch. 15:7 - 17:27. Avraham acquires the Land as an inheritance, which is given to his offspring as an eternal gift. The totality of the Jewish people’s pain and exiles were experienced by Avraham at the time that this covenant was sealed between G-d and himself. Through reading and understanding the text, Rabbi Aaron shows us the first Jew’s … [Read more...]
Lech Lecha 4 – Abraham: The Warrior and Doubter
May 3, 2011 by
Ch. 14 - 15:8. In this class, we see Avraham’s sense of self evolving as he becomes more physically oriented. In being pulled into a major Middle Eastern war, he is forced to face new life challenges. We also see him questioning G-d and transcending his astrological destiny. Listen Now … [Read more...]
