Weekly Parsha

Genesis 32:4 - 36:43

On the trip back to Canaan, Jacob meets his brother Esau; Jacob wrestles with the angel. Then they arrive in Shechem; Shechem, the son of Chamor the Hivite, (heir to the town of Shechem) rapes Jacob's daughter, Dina; Dina's brothers, Shimon and Levy, massacre the men of Shechem; Rebecca (Rivka) dies; G-d gives Jacob an additional name, "Israel," and reaffirms the blessing to Avraham that the land of Canaan (Israel) will be given to his descendants; Rachel dies after giving birth to Benjamin (Binyomin); Jacob's 12 sons are listed; Isaac dies; Esau's lineage is recorded as is that of Seir the Horite; and lastly ... the succession of the Kings of Edom is chronicled.

The Torah states:

And Esau said, 'I have a lot.' And Jacob said, 'I have everything.'" (Genesis 33:9-11).

Which of the two brothers is richer?

The Chofetz Chaim commented that with these two remarks we see the difference between the world views of Jacob and Esau. Esau said that he had a lot. Even though he had a large amount, he would still want more, for "whoever has a hundred wants two hundred." Jacob, however, said, "I have everything," meaning I am not missing anything at all. Esau constantly wanted more, while Jacob felt great satisfaction in what he had.

Regardless of how much you have, there is always much more that you want. Having the attitude that you never really have enough will cause you constant frustration. If you focus on what you lack or think you lack, your life will be filled with anxiety and suffering. The choice is yours to be truly rich or to be "poor" with many possessions!

Internalize the attitude of Jacob: I have everything that I need." If you focus on what you have, you will be happy.

of course, you have a right to try to acquire more. however, if you are unable to, you will feel calm and serene. if you do acquire more, very good. if not, it is a sign that for your best interests you do not really need any more.

"Luck" is how some people spell God

SHABBAT SHALOM!

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