Torah Study

Jacob didn’t give up. He agreed to work another seven years, and was given Rachel in marriage. The source of the Hebrew expression "youngest daughter Rachel" — that when making a deal, specify the conditions down to the last explicit detail — is based on the detailed condition that Jacob made in his agreement with Laban, to prevent the trickster from fooling him

Man’s challenge is not simply to avoid mistakes, but to own up to those we inevitably make

We learn from Yosef and Deenah that there are two approaches to fighting evil; destroying it and reforming it

While Yosef was one of the twelve tribes, he also seems to play a more significant role than his brothers do in the development of the nation of Israel

The two Tribes most closely associated with each other are Shimon and Levi. Many years later, their descendants meet again

We learn from Rachel and Leah that the only way to achieve greatness is to aspire to it and to act upon these aspirations

The Children of Israel, who thought that Moshe died, turned to Aaron and asked him to make another god for them

Who was Shimshon and what was his secret?

Many people believe, as Lavan did, that they can get ahead by cheating. Lavan’s story proves otherwise

We learn from Yaakov Avinu, the man of truth; that sometimes honesty is not the best policy

Perhaps Esav’s most famous spiritual descendants were the Romans, who dominated most of the known world for centuries. They emulated Esav’s approach to the physical and spiritual in their outlook and actions

How could a man as great as Yitzchak have believed Esav was virtuous and more fitting to receive the blessings than his righteous brother?

Optimal kindness requires wisdom. With an awareness of those around him, one can perceive their needs and provide for them without even being asked

Why does the Torah record so few events in Yitzchak’s life?

The most striking aspect of Yitzchak’s actions is their similarity to those of his father. From this we derive the concept of following the traditions of our forefathers throughout the generations

Yishmael represents the negative form of kindness. Why did he so abuse this trait that he received from Avraham Avinu?

Efron offered Avraham a field as a gift, though suddenly changed his mind. How could Efron change so quickly from generosity to greed?

Eliezer was destined to serve the nations of Shem and Yefes. How did Eliezer free himself from this curse?

Avimelech professed his and his nation’s innocence so indignantly because the Pelishtim were known to be highly 'moral', though there is a big difference between morality driven by fear of G-d and morality that a person defines himself

After looking back at the destruction of Sedom, Lot's wife turned into a pillar of salt. As always, a deeper analysis of the events leading to her death reveals important difficulties and teaches us important lessons.