This week's parsha

Unless otherwise noted, "This week's Parsha" comprises articles taken from contributors to the Chabad.org website. We show the original author's name here, so that proper attribution is given. For the sake of brevity, footnotes cited in the original author's writings are omitted from this website. If you need to see the citations, please refer to the original articles on the Chabad.org website.

Torah Study in this World

Published: 08 November 2010 | Written by Tali Loewenthal

What is the goal in life for a Jew? To make the world a better place. This means a spiritual connection with G-d, in all aspects of one's daily activity, and also the continual quest to immerse oneself in the beautiful teachings of the Torah.

It is sometimes quite difficult to achieve a healthy balance between, on the one hand, an active practical life, and on the other, being absorbed in the spiritual ideas of the Torah.

Some people go to one extreme, being so involved in their worldly affairs that they never have the patience to open a Torah book; others go to the other extreme, and try to avoid all practical activities, claiming Torah study as their sole task in life.

A Double Gift

Published: 01 November 2010 | Written by Yitschak Meir Kagan

Isaac blesses his son Jacob: "... And may G-d give you of the dew of the heavens and of the fat of the earth ..." The famed commentator Rashi explains the implication of the words "And may G-d give you": "The Al-mighty will give, and give again."

What was missing in G-d's initial giving, that could be perfected and completed by a second giving? Man is finite, limited; should he give even a magnificent and generous gift to another, it can still be improved upon by additional giving. But even the initial "gift" of the omnipotent and perfect Creator would be perfect. What could be added by "giving again"?

An analogy from the education of a pupil by his teacher might clarify the problem:

What's on Your Business Card?

Published: 26 October 2010 | Written by Levi Avtzon

Meet the main protagonist of this week's Torah portion: Eliezer. A majority of the reading discusses his venture to find a wife for Isaac, his boss's son. The Torah describes in relative length the drama of the Torah's first recorded matchmaking effort.

Throughout the narrative, Eliezer encounters miracles in abundance: obstacles disappear from his path, and his prayers are answered instantly. Nevertheless, what is striking is that his ego remains in check; not once in the story does the Torah even mention his name, instead referring to him as "the servant of Abraham."

Later, when he finds The Girl, he sets up an official meeting with her parents in order to ask for her hand in marriage. They ask him to speak.

What are the first words that exit his mouth? Eved Avraham anochi. "I am Abraham's servant." And then he goes on to lavish praise on his boss.

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