Every week, parshaoftheweek.com brings you a rich selection of material on parshat hashavua, the weekly portion traditionally read in synagogues all over the world. Using both classic and contemporary material, we take a look at these portions in a fresh way, relating them to both ancient Jewish concerns as well as cutting-edge modern issues and topics. We also bring you material on the Jewish holidays, as well as insights into life cycle rituals and events...
Last week, in parshat Toldot, we learned about the struggle between Yaakov and Esav. This week, in Va’yetze, Yaakov opts out of the conflict and, fearing Esav’s anger, departs for his family’s earlier home, Haran. In Toldot, Yaakov’s dealings with Esav were remarkably transactional, and somewhat underhanded: he purchased the birthright from him when he was very hungry for a bowl of soup, and then stole their father’s blessing.
