Thanks-Giving by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Yakov set out from his parent’s home to find a wife in the house of his uncle, Lavan. When Yakov was told that Lavan is a most deceitful person, he replied, “I am his match.” (Rashi to 29:12) “I know the ways of liars,” Yakov declared, “and I will be more »
The Pig and Esav, A Perek Shirah Perspective by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Pork is anathema to the Jew. Even those who do not diligently observe Kosher will steer clear of products that come from a pig. What is it about the pig that creates such revulsion among our people? The Medrash tells us that the more »
Naturally Miraculous By Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Eliezer, the loyal servant of Avraham, sets out on his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. When he arrives at the well he turns to Hashem in prayer. He asks that he be presented with a girl who will generously agree to give water to both him more »
When the Apple Does Fall by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Lot, the beloved nephew of Avraham, had severed ties. At first he just flirted with the wicked city of Sedom. He set up his tents in such a way that the edge of his camp neighbored with theirs. But soon he saw their fertile lands and more »
That was easy by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The creation of the world, as described in this week’s Parsha, is something that intrigues people, religious and not-religious alike. For the religious, contemplating creation infuses a person with great reverence for Hashem. For the not-religious it is a source of frustration by which human beings try to more »
Who has the Band-Aids? by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Our father Yakov shared his final words with his children. As he addressed the first three of the brothers he was full of rebuke. He told Reuvein, Shimon, and Levi, of significant events where they had acted wrongly. When it was time for Yehudah, the fourth brother, more »
Vayigash- Let Them Eat… Breakfast by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Finally there was reconciliation between Yosef and his brothers. After a separation of 22 years, Yosef sent an invitation to his father, Yakov, to join him in Mitzrayim. With the invitation Yosef sends wagons, so that Yakov would be properly provided for on his journey. The more »
“Dear Me,” : A Chanukah Message by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine Paroh had a dream. In it he saw scrawny looking cows swallowing the fat cows. Paroh was troubled. He called all of his experts to interpret his dream because he felt that his dream needed an interpretation. Rav Shimon Schwab writes, “Anyone reading this section more »
Afraid to be Special by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine One of the core values that Yakov aimed to instill in the Jewish family is that each person is special and had a mission. The Shevatim/ Tribes that his children founded each stood unique with a particular attribute, and it was through their respective flags and personal more »
The Mother of all Coaches by Rabbi Mordechai Rhine The Torah relates how, as Yakov returned to the Land of Israel, “Devorah, the nanny of Rivkah, died,” and she was buried there. This simple verse presents a significant question. What was Devorah, the nanny of Rivkah, doing entering the Land of Israel together with Yakov? more »