Hi, Hope all is well. … Genesis ends with the death of Jacob. He had come to Egypt with his family to be reunited with Joseph. When Jacob died? Joseph’s brothers were petrified. (Genesis, 50) “Now that Dad is gone, Joseph may take his revenge.  Finally even the score.” Joseph’s response? “Don’t worry.  You meant […]

Hi, Jacob finally encounters his brother Esau.  (Genesis, 33) In Jewish tradition, Esau represents the power of the sword.  As opposed to the spiritual values of Jacob. In fact, Jacob had run away because Esau was planning on killing him. … What happens when they meet? “ He hugged Jacob… kissed him.  They wept”.  (33:4) […]

Hi, Sorry I missed you yesterday. Believe me! I enjoy this much more than two hours at the dentist! … Jacob is about to be confronted by Esau. But not so fast. First, Jacob had a very mysterious experience.  (Genesis, 32:23-32) He had taken his family and his possessions across the river. And was now […]

Hi, Jacob had left the Land of Israel for two reasons. One, his brother Esau was furious that Jacob received the blessings from Isaac. And was planning to kill him. Second, his mother Rebecca sent him to her family to find a wife. Jacob was now returning to his parent’s home in Israel.  (Genesis 32:4) […]

Hi, Jacob has gone through quiet an ordeal, but now has a family. He’s about to head back to the Land of Israel. … “Jacob went on his way, and angels of G-d encountered him.”  (Genesis, 32:2) Here’s a word about angels. Don’t get your hopes up.  I don’t know that much about them myself! […]

Hi, The beginning of the Jewish People. It’s just like the rest of Jewish history. Happens in strange ways! … Jacob wants to marry Rachel. Not so fast. Her father, Laban, switches Leah for Rachel! And Jacob has to work again for Rachel. Rachel and Leah become the primary mothers of the Jewish People. What […]

Hi, Let’s refresh our memories. Jacob meets Rachel and it seems right out of the movies. Until we think about it. Jacob kisses Rachel.  But he cries! He “loves” her.  But suggests waiting seven years. And then the clincher. He loves her so much? That those seven years go by like a few days. Doesn’t […]

Hi, You could have thought you’re at the movies! Jacob meets Rachel. (Genesis, 29:9-20) He’s at the well talking to the shepherds. And Rachel arrives with her father’s sheep. What does Jacob do? He kisses Rachel. It sounds right out of Hollywood! Jacob was really swept off his feet! Then he offers to work seven […]

Hi, It’s almost time for another wedding. Jacob is about to meet Rachel! But first, a small story with a big lesson. … Jacob comes to a well.  And sees a group of shepherds.  (Genesis, 29:1-8) And says to them, “My brothers, where are you from?” He wanted to know if they knew his mother’s […]

Hi, We left off in the middle of Jacob’s prophetic vision. What’s next? G-d promises Jacob’s that his descendants, the Jewish People, will inherit the Land of Israel. “… I am the Lord, G-d of Abraham your father and G-d of Isaac. The ground upon which you are lying, I will give to your descendants.”  […]