Bernard S. Antin's Page

Ya’akov our Father A’H was sent by his holy parents to seek a bride in Haran from within his Uncle’s family (see Bereshith 25:1-5). Ya’akov delayed his actual departure from Eretz Yisrael some fourteen years before the events described in 25:10-22 (see Megila 16b-17a see Rashi 25:11). The vivid images depicted by the Torah, the ladder, angels and G-D’s promises and encouragement are obviously profound.

This night was the first Ya’akov spent either outside the confines of Yitzchak’s home or the… Continue

How does one deal with a reality that challenges one preconceived notions? Rivkah our Mother A’H was married some nineteen years when she became pregnant. Rivkah and her husband Yitzchak our Father A’H prayed for many years beforehand (25:20-21,26)

25:22 relates that Rivkah’s pregnancy was so difficult that she wondered why she ever yearned for or prayed for children (see 25:22 Rashi ZT;L ZY’A “Lamah zeh anochi” ) Rabbi Moshe been Nachman (RAMBAN) ZT’L ZY’A Rivkah did not know what pregnancy wa… Continue

Each evening the declaration of faith contained in recitation of Shema is prefaced by stating that “ . . . they [the words of Torah] are our life and the measure of our days . . .” The Ba’al Haturim ZT’L ZY’A among his observations on Bereshith 1:1 notes Bereshith is an acrostic for From the beginning G-D saw that Israel will accept the Torah. Therefore, these and other sources imply a powerful connection between Israel’s connection to Torah and creation itself. Consequently, words of Torah on a… Continue

An almost overlooked aspect of the sidra is Sodom. True the city is forever known from ancient times as a place associated with depraved behavior. Yet what did the residents of Sodom think of themselves?

True to their reputation the Torah twice Bereshith 13:13 where the population of Sodom is called “ . . .evil and very sinful” Rashi ZT’L ZY’A comments how incongruous? How could Lot choose to dwell in Sodom when he split from Avraham?. Lot grew up under the influence of Avraham a household that… Continue

It was no longer tenable for uncle and nephew to live together. Avraham the Patriarch A’H ZY’A tells Lot to separate (Bereshith 13:8-12). Rashi (13:7) explains Lot’s shepherds reasoned since G-D had promised the land to Avraham (12:7) and his heirs, which at the time meant Lot so it was appropriate to allow their flocks to pasture wherever they pleased even if the land was privately owned. Avraham’s shepherds respected the indigenous population and only allowed their flocks to graze on public la… Continue