Parashah Roundup: Vayishlakh 5768

by Steve Brizel

Yaakov and Esau and Ecumenical Dialogue

R. Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt"l delineates why ecumenical theological dialogue is a futile and ultimate demeaning gesture to its participants: link (Those interested will find articles from a symposium at this link. The Commentator's archives also have many articles on the vitality of this article.)

The Yaakov-Esau Confrontation and Jewish History

R. Shalom Noach Brozofsky zt"l (Nesivos Shalom, as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass) compares the battles of Yaakov and Yisrael and Esau and Lavan: link

R. Shlomoh Wolbe zt"l tells us why Yaakov Avinu, according to Rashi, was emphatic about not being attracted to Lavan's way of life: link (DOC)

R. Herschel Schachter discusses why a Torah Jew in a secular society must take additional stringencies upon himself: link

R. Berel Wein probes why Yaakov was accompanied by Melachim enroute to his confrontation with Esau: link

R. Tzvi Sobolofsy delineates different tactics that we must use communally and individually to confront Esau: link

R. Asher Brander explores why Yaakov is a model of spiritual heroism: link

R. Jonathan Sacks reveals the moral dilemma that Yaakov felt as he met Esau: link

Yaakov's Personality and the Challenges of Parenting

R. Shlomo Riskin show us how Yaakov's personality evolved during his life as he met each of the challenges within his family: link

Gid HaNasheh

R. Avigdor Nevenzahl explores the hashkafic lessons of the Issur of Gid HaNasheh: link

Leah and Dinah

R. Yissachar Frand explains how Dinah expressed the true values of Leah link

Reuven and Bilhah

R. Yaakov Medan analyzes the episode of Reuven and Bilha in light of different views and means of understanding the actions of personae in the Chumash: link

R. Yaakov Horowitz explains Yaakov's reaction to Reuven's impulsive actions: link

Hilchos Ishus

Dr. Yoel Shiloh explores Mohar, Matan and the Kesubah: link

Shimon, Levi and Shechem

R. Amnon Bazak seeks to understand the role of Shimeon and Levi and why they were ultimately separated by Yaakov: link

R. Zev Leff tells where Shimon and Levi erred in their approach: link