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The Pence Rule and Yichud
Vice President Mike Pence married his wife Karen in 1985. They have 3 children.
I could write similar sentences about most other U.S. politicians.
However, he and his wife have a rule that makes them stand out and has become a lightening rod for criticism.
Butler and Baker
Vayeishev 5775
This week’s parasha ends with Yosef in prison.
He’s been a model prisoner and has been put in charge of all the other prisoners.
Then Paro gets angry with his chief butler and chief baker and throws them into the same prison with Yosef.
One night the butler and baker have dreams that leave them troubled.
Rachel and Leah
Vayeitze 5775
It’s easy to detect the competition between Rachel and Leah for Yaakov’s affections in Parashat Vayeitze.
Though Yaakov married both sisters, it’s clear that Rachel was his favorite.
Kingdoms and Stability
Lech Lecha 5774
There’s a lesson in Parashat Lech Lecha that is easy to overlook.
It’s found in the middle of the parasha and that’s probably part of the reason why it’s overlooked.
Toldot 5773 – Yaakov Tortures Esav
Esav and Yaakov were twins.
Because Esav was born a few minutes before Yaakov, he had the privileges and responsibilities of the firstborn.
Yaakov realized that Esav was not spiritually fit to fulfill his role.
Therefore, he took advantage of an opportunity to purchase the birthright from his brother.
Chayei Sarah 5773 – The Tenth Trial
There is a phenomena that we all see from time to time – a person who carefully observes Jewish ritual but seems to be lax when dealing with people.
In this week’s parasha we see how Avraham dealt with people during a very difficult time in his life.
Vayeira 5773 – Why Sarah Laughed
This parasha records the birth of Yitzchak, the son of Avraham and Sarah.
His name is derived from the Hebrew word for laughter. It’s an appropriate name since both of his parents laughed when they heard that they would have a child.
Vayeira 5773 – How to be Spiritual
Our Sages tell us that Parashat Vayeira happened three days after Avraham circumcised himself. He was recovering from the circumcision and God appeared to him.
Avraham and Inspiration
Lech Lecha 5773
Yesterday I asked:
How did Avraham stay inspired all these years? Why didn’t the gaps, the long years of silence, wear him down?
I think Avraham used three techniques to keep himself inspired:
- Observation
- Tefillah
- Teaching
How Many Times Did God Speak to Avraham?
Lech Lecha 5773
Impressions
It’s easy to get the wrong impression.
When we read the Chumash, it seems like every few lines God is speaking to someone.
You may say to yourself, “Well, if God would only speak to me, then life would certainly be easier!”