How to Face Our Enemies

The Torah uses two words expressing Yakov’s fear of facing Eisav. It says both ויירא and ויצר, that express such fear.

Rashi explains that ויירא was the fear that he would be killed. The ויצר is the fear that he will be forced to kill others. This is similar to the famous statement made by Golda Meir. “We can forgive you for killing our sons, but we cannot forgive you, for making us kill your sons.”

It is important to reiterate the fact that we are not motivated to fight our enemy because of our hatred of them. The motivation needs to come out of love for our people and homeland. This elevates the level of our army.

The current situation is one that was certainly not able to be anticipated. Our soldiers have the constant realization of what is at stake. The vision of the atrocities and the pain suffered by our Jewish brethren, creates a passion in our army.

They have a clear understanding of what we are fighting for. Of course, we wish things could have been different. We naively tried everything possible to avoid this situation. We paid a heavy price avoiding the inevitable.

We allowed Western values to replace Torah values. We refused to accept the warnings years ago of Rabbi Meir Kahane, when he tried to make it clear the painful reality of those wishing to destroy us.

Yakov Avinu was a simple, peace loving individual. But he taught us that we must face our enemies, and not delude ourselves. We are not happy about having to kill “their sons.” But our love of our people, our G-d, and our Torah, demands this of us. Our very survival depends on this.

Parallels from the Parsha

It is truly amazing how we are able to find parallels from our weekly Torah portion, to current events. This is certainly true of Parshat Vayishlach.

We find three major events that have relevance to today. Yakov’s wrestling with the angel, was a clear struggle between good and evil. This angel was the ministering angel of Eisav. He was a combination of Satan, the Angel of Death, and the Yeitzer Hara. Like Israel today, it was a battle of good against pure evil.

The killing of all of the males of Shechem, was revenge for the raping of an innocent Jewish girl, Dina. The wording of the Torah is that Shimon and Levi attacked the city, בטח, with absolute certainty, that what they were doing was right. Like today, they were unwilling to accept that a daughter of Israel be violated, in such a way.

The third connection to current events, is how Yakov had to maneuver his negotiations, with his evil brother, Eisav. He had a real dilemma, as he needed to protect his wife and children, from his evil brother. Like today, his strategy in dealing with his brother was questioned by many of our sages. Many felt that he went too far in allowing himself to be humiliated by a very bad person.

In the end, Hashem helped Yakov succeed against the angel. The revenge taken by Shimon and Levi, put fear in the hearts of all of the inhabitants.

And somehow Yakov succeeded in parting from Eisav as friends. He was able to maintain the safety of his family, as well as his wealth, and his deep connection with G-d.

We certainly pray that we will see the same results, as we attempt to eradicate our enemies, and destroy evil. With Hashem’s help, we will succeed.

Consolation

It is clear that the Jewish people have not yet recovered from the shocking horrors of Simchat Torah. There is still so much sadness, and so much mourning.

We must be aware that there is consolation in the middle of all of this turmoil. It should be comforting on a certain level to know that none of these people died in vain.

The Talmud speaks of the high place in Heaven that awaits the souls of those classified as הרוגי מלכות, which is loosely translated as those who lost their lives, only because they were Jews.

We must remember that this world is imperfect and temporary. The next world is referred to as עולם המת, the world of truth, that is eternal. Those precious souls that were taken from us, have been welcomed by Hashem, and have been granted the highest level of eternal bliss.

There was a story going around that one of the young men murdered at the “festival,” appeared to his father in a dream. The night after his funeral he assured his father that he was in the best place imaginable. He thanked him for trying to instill in him, Jewish tradition and Jewish values.

The father told the story to those who came to comfort him at his Shiva. He said that the dream of his son, gave him great peace of mind. The same is true for all of those who perished.

It is my great hope that all of Israel will find clarity and comfort, during these difficult times. G-d clearly has a plan that will allow us to emerge as a much stronger and holier nation than we ever were. May we defeat our enemies, and may all of the sadness turn into great joy!

Rethinking Evil

The tragic and horrific events of October seventh, should make a thinking individual re-evaluate some previously held ideas. This has serious ramifications regarding human nature.

A widely held philosophy had to deal with the less fortunate members of society. It was assumed that those suffering from poverty, or living in difficult conditions, could be rehabilitated. If they were given love, and helped financially, they would pick themselves up, and become morally, good people.

The overall premise was that all people are inherently good, and their bad behavior was an expression of their frustration at their unfortunate lot in life. All this could change by believing in them, and giving them opportunities to succeed.

The Torah is emphatic that evil exists. Not only does it exist, but it was created by G-d, Himself. He created evil as a test to see if man could distance himself from it, so that he would be worthy of the ultimate good awaiting him in the next world.

The Torah warned that everything depended on the use of one’s free will. He could choose to be righteous and saintly, or he could choose evil.

Just as it was possible for man to elevate himself to the highest levels of sanctity, it was also possible for evil to consume an individual, to the point that he was lower than an animal.

Unfortunately, we have witnessed the latter with the unspeakable atrocities perpetrated by the Hamas animals. The theory of man’s inherent goodness has been thrown out the window. It’s all about the choices that human beings make.

As Dennis Prager once said, “It is not poverty that leads to committing crimes. It is moral poverty that is the cause.” Showering kindness and gifts to undeserving immoral people, consumed with Jew hatred and wishing for our annihilation, is not going to turn them into good people.

It is so sad that this lesson had to be learned with so much pain. Evil definitely exists, and it is very ugly. It is our duty to follow the instructions of our Torah, and utterly destroy evil from our midst.

There is a time for doing acts of kindness to those who are deserving. But there is also a time where we must learn, once and for all, that misplaced compassion is cruelty, for which we may pay a heavy price. Never again must we allow ourselves to succumb to such foolishness. May Hashem grant us the ability to utterly destroy Hamas, and all evil should be removed from the Jewish people, and the world.

Rethinking Evil

The tragic and horrific events of October seventh, should make a thinking individual re-evaluate some previously held ideas. This has serious ramifications regarding human nature.

A widely held philosophy had to deal with the less fortunate members of society. It was assumed that those suffering from poverty, or living in difficult conditions, could be rehabilitated. If they were given love, and helped financially, they would pick themselves up, and become morally, good people.

The overall premise was that all people are inherently good, and their bad behavior was an expression of their frustration at their unfortunate lot in life. All this could change by believing in them, and giving them opportunities to succeed.

The Torah is emphatic that evil exists. Not only does it exist, but it was created by G-d, Himself. He created evil as a test to see if man could distance himself from it, so that he would be worthy of the ultimate good awaiting him in the next world.

The Torah warned that everything depended on the use of one’s free will. He could choose to be righteous and saintly, or he could choose evil.

Just as it was possible for man to elevate himself to the highest levels of sanctity, it was also possible for evil to consume an individual, to the point that he was lower than an animal.

Unfortunately, we have witnessed the latter with the unspeakable atrocities perpetrated by the Hamas animals. The theory of man’s inherent goodness has been thrown out the window. It’s all about the choices that human beings make.

As Dennis Prager once said, “It is not poverty that leads to committing crimes. It is moral poverty that is the cause.” Showering kindness and gifts to undeserving immoral people, consumed with Jew hatred and wishing for our annihilation, is not going to turn them into good people.

It is so sad that this lesson had to be learned with so much pain. Evil definitely exists, and it is very ugly. It is our duty to follow the instructions of our Torah, and utterly destroy evil from our midst.

There is a time for doing acts of kindness to those who are deserving. But there is also a time where we must learn, once and for all, that misplaced compassion is cruelty, for which we may pay a heavy price. Never again must we allow ourselves to succumb to such foolishness. May Hashem grant us the ability to utterly destroy Hamas, and all evil should be removed from the Jewish people, and the world.

Showing Appreciation

The Meam Loez claims that Yakov Avinu fathered a total of twenty-three children in seven years. There were twin sisters born to most of the tribes. The brothers were permitted to marry sisters of a different mother, according to the Noachide laws in effect at that time.

Leah had six boys and one daughter, that the Torah enumerated. The Midrash wrote about the lesser known twin sisters. Her pregnancies lasted only seven months. And she gave birth to exceptionally strong and healthy babies.

Originally, it was assumed that the four wives of Yakov, would each deliver three of the future tribes of Israel. When Leah had her fourth son, Yehuda, she made a special declaration.

She said, “This time, I will give thanks to Hashem.” The Rabbis commented on this and said that she was the first person to give thanks to G-d.

This statement is surprising as there were many before her, who built altars, and offered sacrifices to G-d. Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira gave an answer to this question.

He said that Leah was the first to give thanks for a natural occurrence. Having a baby, is certainly an every day natural event. Those who preceded Leah, gave thanks for supernatural events. Noach built an alter after the flood. The Patriarchs gave thanks for their miraculous salvation.

Leah taught us the importance of not taking for granted, even natural events. Giving birth to a heathy baby, is not a given. The same is true of all the daily gifts we receive from Above. We are to particularly pay attention to this when we recite the מודים prayer three times every day. Leah taught us not to take anything for granted. The least we can do, is give thanks to G-d for His abundant kindness.

Loyalty

The loyalty shown by Rachel to her sister, Leah, is one of the greatest acts of kindness in the entire Torah. This lesson needs to be shouted out, loud and clear.

The love between Yakov and Rachel was very deep. They were both aware that Lavan was a dishonest cheat. They prepared themselves for that eventuality. There were signs given to Rachel in case Lavan would try to do some kind of deception.

Rachel suddenly realized that her sister could have been greatly embarrassed and humiliated, if she were to expose her father’s deceit.

Leah would have been destroyed and she might have even been given over to Eisav in marriage. She would not have gone down in history as one of our matriarchs.

She gave Leah the signs Yakov had given her, to allow her to have dignity and self respect. We are told that Rachel’s act of kindness, made him love her even more.

Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira זצ״ל, once commented on this story. He said that not only is loyalty extremely important, but not destroying another Jew, is equally important.

He gave an example of someone that had a legal dispute with another individual. He wins the case and the other person now owes him a great deal of money.

The guilty party pleads with the winner of the case, and tells him that he does not have the money to pay him. If he has to pay somehow, he will be totally ruined. Rav Elazar said that if he collects even a penny, he will see no blessings from the money.

All of this is learned from the magnanimous act of Rachel to her sister. We are a compassionate people that deeply care about one another. We need only to take great care to direct our compassion where it needs to go.

We must not forget that compassion for our enemies, is cruelty. We must have the courage to complete the task of utterly destroying Hamas.

Yakov’s Lack of Compassion

The Messilat Yesharim points out how G-d is very exacting with the righteous like the thread of hair. The greater the individual, the greater the expectations, for meticulously excellent behavior.

One example that appeared to be a minor infraction had to do with Yakov and Rachel. She complained to her husband that she was childless. She said that he should give her children, and if not, she was like a dead woman.

Yakov did not respond with compassion for the plight of his beloved wife. Instead, he said, “Am I in place of G-d that I can give you children?” He needed to pay for his lack of sensitivity. For someone else, this does need seem to be a punishable offense. But more was expected from a holy man like Yakov.

The Messilat Yesharim wrote that the punishment was that in the future, his ten sons would one day be subservient to Rachel’s son, Yosef. This came true in Egypt, when Yosef was elevated to a high position. After Yakov’s death, his brothers were afraid that he would take revenge for their having sold him. Yosef answered with the exact words Yakov said to Rachel, התחת אלוקים אנוכי, “Am I in place of G-d?”

We must learn from our Patriarchs and Matriarchs, how to treat others. We must never be insensitive to the pain of another individual. We must do all that we can to alleviate that pain.

This is especially true today, when we have not nearly recovered from the horrific acts of October seventh. There is so much healing that needs to take place. Our support can be very helpful in ways we do not realize. We must rise to the occasion, and be there for our fellow Jews.

One Day at a Time

The Torah tells us that Yakov worked for Lavan for seven years, in order to be able to marry Rachel. He was seventy-six years old at that time.

It is quite surprising that we are told that these seven years were like ימים אחדים, a few days. It would seem quite the opposite that it must have seemed like an eternity before he was able to marry the true love of his life.

Rav Avraham Twerski wrote that he learned the explanation of this verse from the many addicts that he worked with over the years. The philosophy was to take things, “one day at a time.” Otherwise, the task of becoming sober after years of addiction, would otherwise seem insurmountable. He once was told by a patient that he had accumulated over 4,000, “one days at a time.”

This message is relevant for all of us. If we look at the big picture, and all that we hope to accomplish, it can seem overwhelming. But if we were learn how to chip away at our tasks by taking things one day at a time, it will be much easier for us to reach our goal.

Yakov Avinu understood this, and his seven year wait for his beloved Rachel, actually seemed like only a few days.

Lavan and Jew Hatred

There is an interesting parallel between Yakov Avinu and Lavan, and the challenges we are facing today, as part of the Jewish people.

There is no question that Lavan was a vicious anti-semite. Just like sleazy characters like Barack Obama, he tried to conceal his contempt for Yakov, with his smooth tongue and phoniness. Like our adversaries today, Lavan was consumed with jealousy of Yakov. He represented the purity of character, that he would never achieve.

But perhaps the biggest lesson learned from Lavan, is that Jew haters don’t care about the facts, and they are certainly not interested in the truth.

The deceitful Lavan was given the opportunity of having G-d reveal Himself to him in a dream. He was warned that he better not harm Yakov in any way. He was sufficiently frightened that he left Yakov alone, but it was not enough to change his evil ways.

If a revelation from Hashem was not enough to convince Lavan that Yakov’s path was correct, he was a hopeless case. He was not interested in the truth, and was not interested in changing his corrupt existence.

We are facing numerous Lavans in the world today. They are guided by their hatred of the Jewish people. They will deny the truth regardless of how strong the proofs might be. We need not focus on the Jew haters, for they will not change. But we do need to make the ignorant more aware, and show the world the justice of our cause. We may not be able to make the Lavans believe, but we must have faith to know that the truth will win in the end. The Redemption is at hand!

Preparing for Life’s Challenges

This week, the Parsha is focused on Yakov Avinu, and the challenges that he must learn to overcome. He needed to be equipped with the necessary preparation, to succeed in his mission of building the nation of Israel.

He began his journey with a slight detour. He decided to spend fourteen years in the Yeshiva of Shem and Eiver, studying Torah, in order to strengthen himself. Yakov was diligent, and studied day and night.

On his way from Beer Sheva, he spent the night on Mount Moriah, where he had the dream of the ladder, with angels ascending and descending. It was a great spiritual revelation, and Yakov was comforted with the knowledge, that his children would one day return to this holy land.

He also learned by way of prophecy, the significance of the Beit Hamikdash, that would one day be built, on that very spot. He was able to foresee the special bond of the Jewish people with their G-d, as they visited his home, three times a year.

Yakov prayed that he not be damaged by all of the negative influences of Chutz L’Aretz, and the corrupt individuals living there. He asked for Hashem’s support and guidance.

We can see why Yakov was successful in finding a wife, building a family, and overcoming the trickery and deceit of his father in-law, Lavan. His unshakable trust in G-d, carried him through.

We must do our utmost to equip our children with all of the tools necessary to overcome all of the obstacles before them. There are so many temptations that are out there, capable of luring them away from their Jewish roots. We must guide them and pray for Divine assistance, that they continue in the holy path of their ancestors. With His help, they will succeed.

The Danger of Laziness

The Ramchal makes numerous observations about human nature. One such observation is man’s natural tendency towards laziness.

The interesting twist to this human tendency, is that if one has the habit of constantly procrastinating, and delaying the fulfillment of necessary tasks, it is an indication, that he is greatly lacking, in the area of spirituality. He is very much connected to the עולם הגשמי, the material, physical world.

This is greatly in contrast to one who has overcome his laziness. He acts with swiftness and enthusiasm in fulfilling any task placed before him. He will not stay in bed more than is necessary, and will not make excuses for not getting things done on time.

The reason why the Ramchal sees this as a reflection of spirituality, or the lack of it, is connected to how one approaches the observance of Torah and Mitzvot.

The spiritual individual will not wait a moment if there is a good deed to be performed. If it involves synagogue attendance, he will be among the first to be present. He is passionate in his desire to do good in this world. He is spiritual.

Contrast this to our lazy guy. He is late to Shule if he attends at all. He gives numerous excuses, when asked to participate in a Mitzva. He is not very spiritual at all. He is connected too much to the physical world.

This is a very clever observation about human nature. Aside from the more lofty goal of achieving spirituality, it should clearly be recognized that laziness is a negative character trait, that must be overcome.

Three Obstacles to Spirituality

The Messilat Yesharim is very practical in its effort to get its readers to desire establishing a closer relationship with G-d. Its author, the Ramchal, recognized many of the obstacles created by man’s nature. In particular, he mentions three such obstacles in our quest to achieve spirituality.

The first problem we encounter, comes from simply being too busy with our day to day schedule. Our day is filled with so many mundane activities, that we literally, have no time to think.

If we were to force ourselves to take breaks, and analyze how we are living, it would help a great deal. An obvious remedy, would be to set up definite time periods for Torah study. This would place us more in a spiritual mode.

The second obstacle mentioned by the Ramchal, is overcoming a tendency to be cynical, and to make a mockery of religious teachings. This creates a block between us and holiness. Once a rabbi gave a very inspiring class on character development. He told a student that his class could be ruined by three words, “Ha ha ha.” We need to overcome our doubts, and be open to let in holy, lofty ideas.

The final obstacle comes from our association with bad company. We tend to be influenced by the people we let into our lives. It is difficult to grow spiritually, when we are ridiculed by our friends and family. We must put ourselves in the best possible setting, to allow for our achieving closeness to G-d.

A simple lesson from the Ramchal has great depth. We must free up time in our schedules for self analysis. We must learn to overcome cynicism. And we must stay away from bad company and bad influences. If we can do this, we are ready to begin climbing the ladder of spirituality.

Truth and Fighting Evil

Yakov Avinu is known for possessing the attribute of אמת, or truth. This is somewhat puzzling, when we see how he cleverly dealt with Eisav.

The Rabbis referred to Eisav, as עשו הרשע, the evil Eisav. He epitomized evil in all respects. He was a murderer and rapist, and made light of the belief in G-d. He denied the idea of an afterlife, and was seen as a very dangerous individual.

Yakov was seen as a simple, innocent person, who devoted his life to Torah study and his devotion to G-d. The Midrash says that he spent fourteen years, studying day and night.

The Torah is teaching us, through Yakov, how to deal with Eisav. He was not able to act with his innocent nature. Had he done so, he would have been devoured by his brother, and later, by his father in-law, Lavan. The truthful thing to do when dealing with evil, is to outsmart it.

King David made this point in Psalms, when he clarified that we need to act differently when we interact with a wise, pious man, and a crook.

It was unavoidable for him, not to have taken the birthright as he did. And similarly, he needed to make a deal with Lavan to take the spotted and striped sheep, in order to receive his just wage.

Today, Israel is waking up to the heavy price we have paid in assuming our enemy had the same moral standard as us. We were in denial of the fact that we were dealing with an enemy that never wanted to make peace with us. All they ever wanted, was our complete destruction.

We must look evil in the face and eliminate it. We must know our enemy, and accept the reality. Thankfully, Hashem has been with us in time to correct our mistakes of the past. We must complete our mission and destroy our enemy. This is what our love of truth, demands of us.

Those Who Bless You Will Be Blessed

There are three instances in the Torah, where we have the verse that states, “Those who bless you will be blessed, and those that curse you will be cursed.”

The Keli Yakar pointed out that when Avraham was blessed by Hashem, and when Bilaam’s curse turned into a blessing, the order was blessing first, and curse afterwards. However, in Parshat Toldot, Yitzchak blessed Yakov in the reverse order of curse first, followed by the blessing.

The explanation for this change is that it was assumed that the blessing comes first in times of trouble. A blessing is needed to help us through our יסורים, or difficulties. The curse comes in good times, when one of our detractors, wants to harm us and wishes that we fall.

In Yitzchak’s case, he felt that Yakov would be confronted by those wishing to harm him, even when he was going through difficulties. He wanted to make it clear that such evil people, will fall hard, and the real blessings would be realized in the “end of days.”

It is fascinating how we can find appropriate hints from our Parsha, to relevant current events. The Jewish people need to be reminded that all of our enemies will perish. Those whose vicious hatred of the Jews dominates them, forget that they are messing with the G-d of Israel.

Rashi wrote that the haters of Israel, are haters of the G-d of Israel. This is a desecration of His name. It is as if they negate and degrade Hashem’s ultimate power. They will soon learn the extent of the phrase mentioned three times in the Torah; “Those who bless you will be blessed and those who curse you will be cursed.”

Prayer For Our Soldiers

It has always bothered me, that numerous Orthodox synagogues refused to say the prayer for the welfare of the soldiers of the Israel Defence Forces.

One very bad explanation for this was that the army was mixed between men and women, and promiscuous behavior often evolves. Another bad explanation is the so called “Daas Torah,” that supposedly represents the authentic view of the accepted rabbis, did not authorize it. This view assumes that the rabbis of the national religious camp, such as the followers of Rav Kook, are not as authentic as their rabbis.

It has also been disappointing that in most Chabad synagogues, the recitation of a chapter of Psalms, is a substitute for paying tribute to our brave soldiers.

The current situation following the horrific atrocities of October 7th, should be a reason to demand that every Shule must say the prayer for our soldiers, as well as the prayer for the State of Israel.

The way our soldiers are going out to battle, is in line with the Torah. They are given an inspiring talk from their commanders, which is followed by prayers, and the recitation of Shema Yisrael.

Many rabbis have compared the uniform of the IDF, to the priestly garments worn in the Temple. The Jewish people were in great danger, and our brave soldiers have been fighting with enormous faith and courage to protect ALL of the Jewish people.

The least we can do is pray for their welfare. We must demand this of every rabbi, and every synagogue all over the world.

Parents As Role Models

In the beginning of Parshat Toldot, the Torah makes a point of telling us that Avraham fathered Yitzchak. In contrast, when Yishmael was born, it says that he was Avraham’s son, but mothered by Hagar.

The Keli Yakar explains that we are being told which parent had the greatest influence on their son. Avraham was the dominant figure in Yitzchak’s life, and Hagar was the major influence of Yishmael.

This also explains why Yitzchak grew up to be a great Tzaddik, and Yishmael was a “wild man.” Both Hagar and Yishmael ultimately did Teshuva, but one’s character is formed during one’s youth.

Sara Imeinu was given credit with having the foresight to realize that she must keep her innocent and pure son, Yitzchak, far away from Yishmael’s negative influence. Avraham was not happy about this, but was told by G-d, to listen to his wife.

Parents need to understand the enormous influence they have on their children. The children watch their parents very closely. They see the flaws of their parents, as well as their strong points.

Parents should try to be deserving role models. They guide their children with their actions, much more than by their words. Children are smart and they see everything.

Rav Meir Kahane once spoke about this very subject. He was talking about young boys coming home from Hebrew school, all excited about telling their parents about Kashrut laws. They were hoping they would now have a kosher home.

The parents were ready for such a possibility, and they disappointed their children by telling them, “We didn’t send you to Hebrew school for that!” Rav Kahane’s comment was, “You can never fool a child, who will walk away thinking that he has phony parents.”

We must attempt to follow the example of parenting of Avraham, so that your child will grow up like Yitzchak. You certainly don’t want to be like Hagar, and end up with someone like Yishmael.

Three Trouble Spots

It is very timely to point out an important statement of our Sages regarding Eretz Yisrael. There are three places in Tanach, that give evidence to our right to this land, from the period of the Bible. And these three locations are heavily disputed historically, and today as well.

We just read of Avraham’s purchase of the Cave of Machpela in Parshat Chayei Sara. Efron offered to give the cave for free, but Avraham insisted on paying for it, as an inheritance for the Jewish people.

We learn that Yakov Avinu purchased the city of Shechem, the burial place of his beloved son, Yosef. Shechem continues to be a hotbed of strife between the Jewish people and her enemies.

King David purchased the site of the Beit Hamikdash from the Yevusi, so that parts of Jerusalem belonged to the Jewish people for eternity.

Chevron, Shechem, and Jerusalem, are documented in the Tanach as belonging to the Chosen people. Perhaps that is the reason why we have known the most strife from these cities.

It is important to reaffirm the fact that our claim to Israel goes back, more than 3000 years. Our presence in Israel has been constant since we entered the land in the time of Joshua.

If people actually studied history, they would realize that the religion of Islam only began in the year 610. The claim of the Palestinian people is an absolute lie. There is no Palestinian people. It was created only at the time of the establishment of the State of Israel.

We are living in a time after October the seventh, where many falsehoods are being uncovered. We must cry out the truth as it will win in the end.

G-d Makes Matches

There is a Midrash that asks what Hashem is busy with in Heaven. The answer is that he is busy with matchmaking, as that is something very difficult to do.

There are three references to this idea, from the Torah, the Prohets, and from Scriptures. The first reference comes from Lavan and Betuel, Rivka’s brother and father. They use the words, מה׳ יצא הדבר, that this matter, meaning this match between Rivka and Yitzchak is from G-d.

The second example comes from the Book of Judges and the story of Samson. He becomes fixated with a Philistine woman. His parents were upset, but were not aware that מה׳ יצא הדבר, that this was part of a Divine plan.

And the third source is from Mishlei, known as the Book of Proverbs. In Chapter 19 verse 14 it says, מה׳ אשה משכלת, “an intelligent woman comes from Hashem.” This is also a matchmaking Pasuk. It is saying that if one is blessed with an intelligent and G-d fearing wife, it is a gift from Above.

Matchmaking seems to be even more difficult nowadays. Perhaps if people would pray more to G-d, asking for the proper mate, he might just answer. After all, He is the one making matches, anyway.

Importance of Mincha Service

The Talmud in Masechet Brachot discusses the origin of prayers. It gives two reasons for our daily prayers. One reason is that prayer takes the place of sacrifices. And the other reason is that they were decreed by the Patriarchs.

Avraham Avinu decreed the morning prayer of Shacharit. We learn this when the Torah mentions that he arose early in the morning.

Yakov Avinu decreed the evening prayer of Arvit. This is learned when it says that he expired in that place. This was a hint to our evening.

In Parshat Chayei Sara, we learn about Mincha from Yitzchak, who went out to meditate in the field towards evening. This meditation refers to prayer.

It is interesting to note that the Talmud makes a special mention of Mincha. “One should always be extra careful with the Mincha service, for Eliyahu Hanavi was only answered during the afternoon hours of Mincha.”

It is referring to the incredible showdown between the false prophets of Baal, and Eliyahu Hanavi. It was a very bold move on Eliyahu’s part, as he felt that the future of the Jewish people, was in danger. A fire came from the Heavens and consumed his sacrifice, and his prayers were answered, and it began to rain.

The Rabbis are suggesting that we do not overlook the brief afternoon service, known as Mincha. It has great importance and significance. It could be that we may find an even greater chance of having our prayers answered in the afternoon, than during other hours of the day.

Yitzchak’s prayers were answered, and he was blessed with a wife that was capable of replacing his saintly wife. We should keep in mind the auspiciousness of Mincha, to reach out to Hashem. He is definitely listening.