Torah Thoughts is a review of the weekly Torah portion. Trying to make sense out of the wisdom of the Torah and our lives today. This is all from Adas Israel the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa based in Mason City. Let's go!
This week we read from the first book of the Torah Bereishis (Genesis) 28:10 - 32:3. It is called Vayeitzei ("He departed") in Hebrew. "Jacob departed from Beer-sheba and went toward Haran."
Once again we see, in the opening of this portion, that it takes action to make something happen. He leaves and then, while sleeping, has a vision of "Jacob's Ladder". But, more important to this story is what G-d says to Jacob: "I am Hashem ("The Name"), G-d of Abraham, your father and G-d of Isaac, the ground upon which you are lying, to you will I give it and to your descendants. Your offspring shall be as the dust of the earth and you shall spread out powerfully westward, eastward, northward and southward and all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you and your offspring."
Pretty powerful stuff...and it's not the first time we have heard this promise.
We then read of the the trials and tribulations of Jacob living with and working for his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob agreed to work as a shepherd 7 years for Rachel only to have Laban switch daughters on him at the marriage ceremony. Not nice...right?
By the way...this is why we have the badekin ('covering' ceremony) where the groom sees the face of his bride to ensure he is marrying the right woman before he covers her with the veil. See what you learn here?
As Jacob tries to build his equity, Laban changes their agreement time after time. After 20 years, the Almighty tells Jacob the time has come to return to the land of Canaan. Jacob and his household secretly leave only to be pursued by Laban who says he has claims against Jacob. The story ends with peace and blessings between Jacob and Laban.
December Service Schedule
We'll meet on Friday evening at 7:15 for our Erv Shabbat Service and our Torah Study (Midrash) will take place on Shabbat (Saturday) starting at 10:00AM. All are welcome to come and learn.
See you in shul!
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