Vayetzei - Purifying Challenges

Why does Yaakov face the challenge of Esav, his brother who wants to kill him, then run off to Lavan's house and face the new challenge of another difficult character? Why do the matriarchs have such difficulties - both with each other and with Yaakov? Why does Leah stop being able to conceive when Yehuda is born? Why does the Torah (and history) abound with descriptions of suffering on the part of the Jewish people?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 24:57

Ki Savo - Begin Again!

What is the depth behind the mitzvah to bring an offering of the first fruits of one's field? How can we reconcile the fact that sin causes great spiritual damage, and yet we can begin anew and enter into a relationship with Hashem no matter what? What are the spiritual forces that pull a person away from Hashem, and how can they be faced and conquered?

Find out in this week's parsha podcast.

Running time: 21:33

Vayetzei - Catalyst for Good

Why do we find that Esav's anger is the catalyst for Yakov being sent to Charan to begin his family? Why is there so much emotional difficulty surrounding the relationships of Leah, Rochel and Yakov? Why does Yakov face the challenges of Lavan? Why does Yakov decide to return when Yosef is born?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

Running time: 18:40