Welcoem to posts!!
in the future - u will be able to do some more stuff here,,,!! like pat catgirl- i mean um yeah... for now u can only see others's posts :c
For those of you that are waiting for Rav. Chief Binyamin’s Bible class this morning we will be starting a bit later this morning
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This is the eventbrite link to our Jersey Shore Party below:
www.eventbrite.com/e/jersey-shore-tickets-87473805…
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This is the eventbrite link for the night of Elegance to purchase a ticket:
www.eventbrite.com/e/night-of-elegance-tickets-840…
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Please don’t forget to purchase your tickets for all of the events of this upcoming weekend.
You can purchase a ticket by scanning the QR code on anyone of the two secular event flyers below: “The Night of Elegance” & “Jersey Shore Party”
You can also donate a ticket if you are going to make it and would wish to support the events.
Thank you all.
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It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our elders and pillars within our community, Emah Sarah.
May the creator cause her memory to be for a blessing.
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What is the name of the mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments?
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Who saw a nation with Lion’s teeth?
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Sidra Wayishlach Genesis 32:4-36:43 - Jacob's Encounter with Esau and Family Dynamics
Genesis 32:4-33:17: Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau
As Jacob returns to Canaan, he hears that Esau is approaching with four hundred men. Fearing Esau's revenge, Jacob divides his camp into two and sends gifts to appease his brother. Alone at night, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak, who blesses him with a new name, Israel. The next day, Jacob meets Esau, and they reconcile.
This section is marked by Jacob's fear of Esau and his strategic preparations for the meeting. The mysterious wrestling incident adds a spiritual dimension, and Jacob's renaming to Israel signifies a transformation. The reconciliation with Esau is a pivotal moment, illustrating growth and forgiveness.
Genesis 33:18-20: Jacob Settles in Shechem
After the reunion with Esau, Jacob travels to Shechem, where he buys a parcel of land and sets up an altar, calling it El-elohe-Israel, meaning "El, the God of Israel."
Jacob's purchase of land and the establishment of an altar demonstrate his commitment to the land promised to his forefathers. The name given to the altar reinforces the significance of Jacob's encounter with the divine.
Genesis 34:1-31: Dinah's Rape and the Shechemite Retribution
Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is violated by Shechem, a prince of the city. Shechem desires to marry Dinah, and Jacob's sons, Simeon and Levi, deceitfully agree, only to enact revenge. They kill the men of Shechem and plunder the city. Jacob reproaches his sons for their actions.
This tragic episode reveals the consequences of deceit and revenge within Jacob's family. Simeon and Levi's violent retribution highlights the challenges of maintaining justice and morality in the midst of personal vendettas.
Genesis 35:1-15: Jacob Returns to Bethel
YHWH instructs Jacob to go to Bethel, where he builds an altar and purges his household of foreign gods. YHWH reaffirms Jacob's name change to Israel and renews the covenant with him. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin, and she is buried near Bethlehem.
The return to Bethel symbolizes a spiritual reawakening for Jacob and the cleansing of his household. The reaffirmation of the covenant and the death of Rachel add a bittersweet layer to this phase of Jacob's journey.
Genesis 35:16-29: Jacob's Twelve Sons and Isaac's Death
Jacob and his family journey from Bethel, and Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, has an improper relationship with Bilhah, his father's concubine. The narrative lists Jacob's twelve sons, and Isaac dies and is buried by his sons Esau and Jacob.
This section marks the completion of Jacob's twelve sons, laying the foundation for the twelve tribes of Israel. The incident with Reuben underscores the complexities within Jacob's family. Isaac's death becomes a significant moment in the patriarchal narrative.
Genesis 36:1-43: The Genealogy of Esau
This chapter provides a detailed genealogy of Esau's descendants, known as the Edomites. It lists Esau's wives, children, and chiefs, showcasing the flourishing of his lineage.
The genealogy of Esau's descendants provides historical context and sets the stage for the interactions between the Edomites and the Israelites in later biblical narratives. It also reflects the fulfillment of YHWH's promise to make a great nation from Esau.
Overall Commentary:
The Wayishlach portion is marked by Jacob's encounter with Esau, the incident in Shechem, the return to Bethel, and the completion of Jacob's family. Key themes include reconciliation, revenge, spiritual renewal, and the genealogy of Esau's descendants.
1. Reconciliation and Transformation: The meeting with Esau showcases Jacob's growth and transformation. His fear and strategic preparations give way to reconciliation, emphasizing forgiveness and familial ties.
2. Tragedy and Retribution in Shechem: The episode with Dinah and the violent retribution by Simeon and Levi reveal the darker side of family dynamics. It underscores the challenges of maintaining justice and morality in the midst of personal vendettas.
3. Spiritual Renewal at Bethel: Jacob's return to Bethel signifies a spiritual reawakening. The cleansing of his household from foreign gods and the reaffirmation of the covenant reflect a deeper commitment to YHWH.
4. Completion of Jacob's Family: The narrative details the birth of Benjamin, the death of Rachel, and the completion of Jacob's twelve sons. Isaac's death marks the passing of another patriarchal figure, emphasizing the continuity of the covenant through the generations.
5. Genealogy of Esau's Descendants: The genealogy in chapter 36 provides historical context and sets the stage for future interactions between the descendants of Esau and the Israelites.
In summary, Wayishlach is a complex portion filled with familial dynamics, reconciliation, tragedy, and spiritual renewal. It underscores the intricate tapestry of Jacob's life journey, the challenges within his family, and the unfolding of divine promises through the generations.
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Sidra Wayetzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3) - Jacob's Journey and Divine Encounters
Genesis 28:10-22: Jacob's Dream at Bethel
As Jacob journeys from Beersheba to Haran, he rests for the night and dreams of a ladder connecting heaven and earth. Angels ascend and descend, and YHWH stands beside him, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac. Jacob awakens, realizing the sanctity of the place, and consecrates it as Bethel.
Jacob's dream is a significant moment in his journey and in the biblical narrative. The ladder symbolizes the connection between the divine and earthly realms. YHWH's reaffirmation of the covenant emphasizes its continuity through the generations. The renaming of the place as Bethel (House of God) highlights its newfound sacredness.
Genesis 29:1-14: Jacob Meets Rachel at the Well
Arriving in Haran, Jacob encounters shepherds at a well and inquires about Laban, his mother's brother. Rachel, Laban's daughter, arrives with her flock. Jacob is drawn to her and, overcome with emotion, rolls the stone from the well to water her sheep. Rachel brings him to Laban, and Jacob stays with them.
The encounter at the well echoes similar scenes in the biblical narrative (e.g., Abraham's servant meeting Rebekah). It introduces Rachel, who will become a central figure in Jacob's life. The rolling away of the stone signifies Jacob's strength and determination.
Genesis 29:15-30: Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel
Jacob works for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel. However, Laban deceives Jacob by giving him Leah instead. Jacob confronts Laban, who explains the custom of marrying the elder daughter first. Jacob agrees to work another seven years for Rachel, whom he loves. YHWH sees Leah's plight, and she conceives while Rachel remains barren.
This episode highlights the theme of deception within the family, mirroring Jacob's earlier deception of Isaac. It also introduces the competition and rivalry between Leah and Rachel. YHWH's recognition of Leah's distress underscores divine compassion.
Genesis 29:31-30:24: The Birth of Jacob's Sons and Daughters
Leah bears four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Rachel, feeling competitive, gives Bilhah, her maidservant, to Jacob, who has two sons: Dan and Naphtali. Leah responds by giving Zilpah, her maidservant, to Jacob, resulting in two more sons: Gad and Asher. Finally, Rachel conceives and bears Joseph.
The narrative depicts the complexity of Jacob's family, with the rivalry between sisters and the introduction of maidservants to bear children. The birth of Joseph is particularly significant, foreshadowing his future role in the narrative.
Genesis 30:25-43: Jacob's Prosperity and Departure from Laban
Jacob prospers, acquiring large flocks and herds. Laban acknowledges YHWH's blessings on account of Jacob. Jacob desires to return to Canaan, but Laban persuades him to stay by offering him favorable terms for the striped, spotted, and speckled sheep and goats. Jacob employs selective breeding to increase his flock, leading to his prosperity.
This section highlights Jacob's resourcefulness and the divine blessings upon him. The use of selective breeding reflects Jacob's cleverness in managing livestock. The departure from Laban becomes an important transition in Jacob's journey and the unfolding of the larger narrative.
Genesis 31:1-16: Jacob's Departure from Laban
Laban's sons become envious of Jacob's prosperity, and Laban's attitude towards Jacob changes. YHWH instructs Jacob to return to Canaan. Rachel and Leah support Jacob's decision, citing Laban's unfair treatment. Jacob and his family secretly depart, and Rachel takes Laban's household gods without his knowledge.
The tension between Jacob and Laban escalates, leading to Jacob's decision to leave. Rachel's actions in taking the household gods foreshadow future conflicts and highlight the lingering influence of idolatry.
Genesis 31:17-32:3: Jacob's Flight and the Encounter with Esau
Laban pursues Jacob but is warned by YHWH in a dream not to harm him. Laban confronts Jacob, and after an exchange, they make a covenant. Jacob proceeds on his journey, and messengers inform him that Esau is approaching with four hundred men. Jacob prepares for a potential confrontation with Esau, praying for YHWH's protection.
This section marks Jacob's departure from Laban and the potential confrontation with Esau. The divine warning to Laban reinforces YHWH's protective presence in Jacob's life. Jacob's prayer signifies his reliance on YHWH as he faces the uncertainties of meeting Esau.
The Vayetzei portion is a tapestry of Jacob's journey, divine encounters, and familial dynamics. Key themes include Jacob's dream at Bethel, his marriages to Leah and Rachel, the birth of his children, his prosperity through selective breeding, and the departure from Laban. The narrative reflects the complexity of family relationships, the consequences of deception, and the role of divine guidance in Jacob's life.
1. Divine Encounters: The portion begins with Jacob's dream at Bethel, emphasizing the connection between heaven and earth. YHWH reaffirms the covenant and guides Jacob on his journey. The divine encounters continue with YHWH's warnings to Laban and Jacob's prayer for protection.
2. Marriages and Births: The narrative unfolds the complexities of Jacob's marriages and the birth of his children. The rivalry between Leah and Rachel and the introduction of maidservants contribute to the intricate family dynamics.
3. Prosperity and Departure: Jacob's prosperity and departure from Laban showcase his resourcefulness and the divine blessings upon him. The narrative builds tension as Jacob faces the challenges of leaving Laban and potentially confronting Esau.
4. Encounter with Esau: The portion concludes with the anticipation of Jacob's encounter with Esau. The covenant with Laban and Jacob's prayer underscore the theme of divine protection and guidance as Jacob faces the uncertainties of the future.
In summary, Vayetzei is a crucial segment in Jacob's life journey, marked by divine revelations, family dynamics, and the challenges of prosperity and departure. It sets the stage for the next phase of Jacob's narrative, including the encounter with Esau and his eventual return to Canaan.
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We are bringing a higher level of consciousness to the Hebrew Israelite community. This Channel is for hebrews who are open minded to a higher level of study. We are here to also influence our people to a better way of life. We are a torah based organization located at this time, at 382 Hamilton Ave. in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York.
We follow the laws, statutes and commandments that are found in the 5 books of Moses (the Torah). Our motto as was stated earlier, is to win friends and influence people to a better way of life.