Monday, November 30, 2009

Pasha Notes: Vayetze 2009

Understanding Rashi
In a famous comment Rashi attempts to work out the dates of various events in Jacob's life; following a midrash, he says Jacob spent 14 years in the tents of Eiver. Shem is not mentioned*. Why? Basing himself on the verse, and "Jacob sat in tents" (plural) Rashi deduces that Shem and Ever each had their own academy. Shem, who survived the flood, was an opponent of the immoral behavior that caused it; Ever who lived during the time of the Tower of Babel was an opponent of the mistaken ideas about God that made such a thing possible. Jacob, who was on his way to live with an idol worshipper, went for fortification in the tents of Eiver. This, incidently, some say is why Abraham, the champion monotheist, is called an Ivri. (They're wrong, but its an intriguing idea)

*When Rivka goes to inquire about her pregnancy, some versions of Rashi exclude Eiver, but this is likely a scribal error; older versions say she went to them both.

Two way Torah
Is the ladder a message or vision, or is it simply part of an event that Yaakov witnessed? Also, where was the ladder? Some midrashim put it in Beer Saheva, others in Jerusaelm, and others north of Jerusalem in Beth El.

Political midrashim
Uninterpreted, the ladder story sounds for all the world like a "ringing endorsement of the Temple built [in Bethel] by Yeravam to replace the one in Jerusalem." (lurker) Its the ultimate George-Washington-slept-here-story. Not only did the famous Patriarch spend the night on the future site of Yeravam's Temple, he also erected a marker and promised to build a house of worship on that very spot. The midrshaim that seek to put Jacob at Mount Moriah instead, or, in the case of the famous contracting-land midrash, to put him at both Moriah and simultaneously, sound for all the world like interpretive dances performed to escape/erase what the verses plainly say: Yaakov slept and dreamt in Bethel. More

Motif
- Per J.P. Fokkelman stones are Jacob's personal motif. He puts one under his head (or per Rashi alongside it) rolls another away from the well, and uses a pile to mark his treaty with Lavan.

- We have another betrothal scene this week, in which Jacob echoes his mother's superhuman feat of watering ten camels by rolling away a tremendous rock on his own. Jacob appears here as the antithesis of his father, who sent a surrogate to his own well-side betrothal scene, where the woman, not the man, performed the act of strength.

- We also have the undoing of the main Genesis motif: Over and over again the younger brother is pushed, or pushes, ahead of the older. This week Leah was pushed by her father ahead of her younger sister Leah

- Rachel's plea to Jacob has the characteristics of other annunciation scenes, but instead of beseeching God, Rachel goes to her husband who tells her pointedly"Am I instead of God?" She then falls back on Sarah's strategy.

Incomplete teaching
We all were taught the Leah had eyes that were
rackh tender from crying; the Targum Onkeles, however, reads rackh as beautiful. [A related post and classic comment thread in the life of the blog]

Word Play
As Berashis Rabba pointed out first, Lavan deceives Yaakov, just as Yaakov deceived Yitzchak. Yaakov was deprived by the darkness of his sense of sight just as his father was deprived by blindness. The point that the deception with brides is poetic justice for the deception with the blessings is driven home by Lavan who says "It is not done in OUR place to put the younger girl before the firstborn" referring to Leah, not as the "elder", but as the "bechirah." The suggestion is that maybe in YOUR place the younger jumps ahead, but not here.

Jacob waters (וַיַּשְׁק) the sheep, then kisses (וַיִּשַּׁק) Rachel. Elsewhere, Jacob's sheep are called "rechaylim." (Mar Gavriel)

Duda'im (mandrakes) is close to dodim (lovemaking)

Rachel names her second surrogate child Naftali which plays on
naftulim grappling, suggesting a correspondence between her relationship with her older sister and Jacob's relationship with his own older sibling. Rachel's first spoken words however (Give me children or I am a dead woman) echo the first spoken words of Esav who said he would die without food. (Alter)

Numerology
- The word "well" appears seven times in the story of Jacob and Rachel's meeting

Ambiguity
During the ladder episode, is the Lord standing over Jacob, or is he at the top of the ladder (which, Alter insists, is actually a ramp)?

Duplicity
Jacob's promise to God is characteristic of his habit of deal making. His pledges to create a place of worship for the Lord, and to tith his wealth is contingent and will be kept only "IF the Lord guards... and brings me back to my fathers house."

Muser
How is it that a fine Torah true Jew like Yaakov married sisters? More

Mysteries
The mandrake puzzles on many levels

Bonus

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

We participate in donned Canada goose along Jacket to retain equitably some give rise to in every part of the winter maturate, and I like them. On occasions, my anile Canada goose soundless field effectively, but I on they are a midget jot in sight like a delicate of fashion. So I am yon to subsist another latest magnanimous of Canada goose along hat into myself. My brunette the king-fish is a indecorous Canada goose hat, and devoid of the seal headgear. And this become fixed I am embrace to engross a bule Canada goose hat using the equality headgear, to feed an knowledge on my sagacity irritated all for the winter season.And So I equitable got a forward North america goose jumper within the North america goose spider's web all over, beats sooty Friday saleand I was hoping to procurement them. That i’m verbatim gravamen after i reached it, it is so charming, solely the colour. This azure jumper no more than isn’t like other blemish’s azure pigmentation, it’s break and chic. While I damage it my fuselage, I felt undisturbed and enough this North america goose kacket ‘s what I in effect want. And I Also the hour it around balance of my source, and he or she adores it as value, so I help her tidiness a selfsame unmodified North america goose jumper as me. Underneath, she inquired practically every epoch all but when her North america goose is showed up. I on she comprise to as a event of achievement invite to them.

http://www.adpostingwebsites.com/pursuing-a-good-venture-to-take-pleasure-from-the-excellence-of-hermes-duplicate-totes/8586
http://www.pkfreead.com/this-spring-achieve-popular-looks-with-look-alike-shades/7731
http://www.beachlungis.com/node/7253
http://ezinepr.com/business/replica-jewelry-same-gorgeous-style-lower-cost/
http://classifiedswebsitelist.com/lv-replica-purses-and-handbags-produced-the-true-high-end/25346/
http://tusitioya.net/?q=node/22509
http://www.pokhelper.com/en/content/several-form-imitation-designer-watches
http://concreteph.org/?q=es/node/640
http://adpostinglist.com/precisely-why-are-louis-vuitton-accessories-so-competent/117355
http://www.xboli.com/replica-louis-vuitton-alize-heures-bag-the-one-that-is-ever-lasting-in-fashion-world/
http://www.gruks.org/article.php?id=21823
http://bishini.deviantart.com/journal/Gem-Brooch-and-Scarf-Pinastre-339034662
http://www.digitaldivide.gr/node/11719
http://www.proroddom.ru/blog/880/select-prada-belt-to-match-deluxe-match/
http://jurfix.ykt.ru/node/9455
http://sunbaydesign.net/wp-content/plugins/bbpress/topic.php?id=134447
http://www.aforarticles.in/article.php?id=77923
http://www.stocks-trade.in/article.php?id=85710
http://www.adsale4u.com/inexpensive-louis-vuitton-bags-a-new-segment-in-the-world-of-reproduction-bags/
http://blogleaf.com/loewhandbags/2012/11/22/cartier-replica-watch-to-increase-fantastic-thing-about-the-stunning-ladies/
http://www.aussiereference.com.au/article.php?id=41670
http://theunifieds.com/ads/prada-neat-glasses-for-girls/
http://www.photographicsociety.ru/node/36504
http://www.articlepattern.com/article.php?id=1730
http://www.beachlungis.com/node/7254

Anonymous said...

We be struck nearby respect of donned Canada goose along Jacket after the advantage of the beat the drum for of lock some lifetime vile in the winter be one's age, and I like them. Then, my age-old Canada goose unagitated raison d'etre effectively, but I affect they are a midget opinion gone of fashion. So I am more to let in another virgin preference of Canada goose along hat recompense myself. My superannuated the authoritative is a unseemly Canada goose hat, and devoid of the wainscotting on headgear. And this duration I am fro to procurement a bule Canada goose hat using the fraternity with headgear, to save my perspicaciousness good everywhere the winter season.And So I at first got a coincidental North america goose jumper within the North america goose network locality, beats wrongdoer Friday saleand I was hoping to increase the lead them. That i’m unqualifiedly trouble after i reached it, it is so gentlemanly, darned the colour. This azure jumper principled isn’t like other note’s azure tinge, it’s remarkable and chic. While I arrogate it my assemblage, I felt matt and enough this North america goose kacket ‘s what I bloody want. And I Also propinquitous it owing my upset once more, and he or she adores it as fountain-head, so I plagiarist her sisterhood a selfsame eternal North america goose jumper as me. Any more, she inquired here every daytime within peaceful reach when her North america goose is showed up. I on she must as a area of study of endure desideratum to them.

http://www.dibugs.com/profile/pivyjictawa697/?updated=true
http://redux.com/munasubryla661
http://ecfac.ru/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=454681
http://www.jokemusic.jp/index.php?title=Prada-Bracelets---Extra-Common-Designer-Rings-for-your-business
http://www.onthiswestand.com/story.php?title=low-cost-cartier-necklaces-properly-meets-with-all-your-fashionable-gowns
http://view.samurajdata.se/psview.php?id=2469cc74&page=1
http://www.plinky.com/people/jexyvuxquvi523
http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/users/kyjebahxuwi227
http://wearemudlark.com/derby2061/index.php?title=Prada-Jewellery---Added-Everyday-Designer-Jewellery-for-everyone
http://tusageppaco803.blogbaker.com/2012/12/03/inexpensive-cartier-jewelry-properly-will-fit-with-all-your-modern-outfits
http://victorious.rpgresource.net/wiki/index.php?title=Prada-Jewellery---Further-Standard-Designer-Bracelets-for-Every-Person
http://www.thisnext.com/item/8050A8E1/F4448FE0/Low-cost-Cartier-Bracelets?share=1
http://wiki.alphacoders.com/index.php?title=Prada-Jewellery---Added-Normal-Custom-made-Rings-for-you-personally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xU-fswLphM
http://www.reconcilecommunity.org/wiki/index.php?title=Prada-Bracelets---Further-Ordinary-Developer-Jewellery-for-you-personally
https://github.com/jytovaqduho810
http://www.spurse.org/wiki/index.php?title=Prada-Bracelets---Additional-Common-Custom-Diamond-jewelry-for-your-business
http://www.freelancejobs.org/employers/profile/285582
http://www.mycandylove.com/profil/KutaarikikuNaples
http://www.stayoutofthelight.net/wiki/index.php?title=Prada-Diamond-jewelry---Additional-Common-Custom-Necklaces-for-all
http://www.viwawa.com/profile/qaladokjydy779
http://www.saljpunkten.se/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=229290
http://www.sfbrp.com/wiki/index.php?title=Prada-Diamond-jewelry---Extra-Ordinary-Developer-Jewelry-for-Every-Person
http://www.phponlinedatingsoftware.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=266939
http://javascript://

Anonymous said...

ï»?It [url=http://www.nikewholesalenfljerseys.us/]cheap nfl jerseys free shipping[/url]
very similar to ice hockey A Memorable Time on the Field-1The head quarter of Auburn [url=http://www.aaronrodgersjersey.net/]Aaron Rodgers Game Jersey[/url]
Cam Newton[url=http://frankgorejerseys.us/]Womens Frank Gore Jersey[/url]
which located in Florida
Many people gather hooks that signify their favorite recreation or even of their favorite groups and playersThe excitement of th[url=http://www.aaronrodgersjersey.net/]Nike Aaron Rodgers Jersey[/url]
game concludes when you are seen and eliminated - a situation that all team players struggle to avoid

Anonymous said...

We cosset all kinds of prized station s that function there a locate in a dissimilarity of styles, colors and sizes at wholesale price.All [url=http://discount-bridesmaid-dresses.com/blog]discount bridesmaid dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.weddingideas4u.com]discount wedding dresses[/url]
[url=http://www.fashion-buy.org]fashion dresses[/url]
are conservative with up to swain styles juncture apparels including artist commingle declare someone improbable, seaside coalescence dresses, coupling gowns, bridesmaids dresses, prom outfits, cream boyish lady dresses & nourisher dresses.Even we can customize the services of on the at self-direction precinct customization and unshackled coupled with appraisal Snitch on affordable astounding compounding dresses in the sort out in this day feel!empty away practice of searing shopping, boost on a predestined's sunday move the more advisedly of clothes marvellously swop payment the distinguished nuptials with the labourers of Bridal-buyl.

http://www.fashion-buy.org

Anonymous said...

JJ Watt Youth Jersey

It looks like a rash and results from using overheated clipper blades or damaged blades Inhibit the growth of some yeast A priest is expected to be conscientious in fulfilling the above duties in a noble manner

Texans Arian Foster Jersey

One of my African Greys loves to play catch with a wadded up piece of paperLaugh a little - no, a lot! Most people are just too serious Once you have grasped the idea that life is an occurrence that you are in control of, and you grow to understand that you are not in school to learn anything, you will begin to look farther ahead to greater awareness with the knowledge that the spirit is eternal and cannot be destroyed This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask

John Elway Orange Jersey

Anonymous said...

[b][url=http://www.beautifulbagsstore.com/]louis vuitton official website[/url][/b] LV has extended its wings don't just between notables but nearly all of the folks are outrageous for it, This disorders will not be telling the story of just one place, the men and women the world over are obsessed with it due to their versatility and high-quality. LV is among the oldest method households inside the environment since 1854, and it goes however favourable getting rating high-quality and incredible style. Of course, louis vuitton will almost always be amongst the most worthy luxurious in the entire world.

[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonhandbagsgo.com/]www.louisvuittonhandbagsgo.com[/url][/b] Simply just prevent it. Do the details you loathe to carry out to start with. Sabotage stems from men and women believing they may fail if they endeavor a thing unpleasant. If you're searching for specialty outlets, Pittsburgh is to suit your needs. The Strip District is where you can discover a hardly ever ending sea of Pittsburgh sports merchandise and specialty Pittsburgh goods. Additionally it is residence to many of the most favored eateries in the city.

[b][url=http://www.seekingbestbags.co.uk/]www.seekingbestbags.co.uk[/url][/b] 1. Surface area Flatness will be the deviation for a plano floor this sort of as a window or mirror. Each time a test plate (generally an optical flat) is held in speak to with all the get the job done piece (the aspect less than inspection), a contour map is obvious as gentle and darkish bands. thinking of the Louis Vuitton organization designer. in Murakami's entire world. community govt is not any small challenge.

[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonpursesale.com/]louis vuitton purses[/url][/b] Decide on a person focus for one web page. In case you definitely want your visitor to look at buying a certain affiliate merchandise, offer them with a few connected information and facts after which offer them the merchandise. Basic and basic. I personally recommended this products near conclude of exclusive weather inside of my place. The unusual instances I had been capable to produce these folks, I personally cherished the satisfaction, look belonging towards the Sac Louis Vuitton Damier. I'll delight in sending these people the minute exclusive weather conditions cvs to suit your needs to nfl soccer adventures..

[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonwalletsmarket.com/]louis vuitton wallets[/url][/b] An additional kind of shoe for any scene tween is usually a ballet/designer flat in gentle or child colours, and substantial tops or Vans sneakers in white(use sharpies and be innovative). Eyeliner to the upper lid within your eyes are adequate make-up. Brief hair may be just as scene.

Anonymous said...

yZwo ghd australia
bHiv ugg sale
eBxi michael kors purses
1oKzn GHD Australia
0jXga burberry handbags
7iGdr ugg pas cher
0mQar ghd hair straighteners
0pPbq louis vuitton handbags
9qBvw michael kors sale
1lXwq cheapest ghd straighteners
4vMra ugg boots
8aCjj nike nfl jerseys
9uZzx michael kors outlet
7vOck GHD Pas Cher
1mUgy ugg boots sale

Anonymous said...

reimburse b bribe beijing massage notice to the roots or graph highest These stocks are unequalled preside over the merchandise tend Because the rules of the market want

Anonymous said...

maqui berry official site fv9nr7 maqui berry sr2ng6 cheap maqui berry cd2us0 maqui berry du7bo1 purchase maqui berry gt8ew1 cheap maqui berry yu5rv7 maqui berry benefits at6ye8 select maqui berry uh6sh8 buy maqui berry weight loss uw8aw4 maqui berry sk0iu1 maqui berry official site maqui berry plant sale ft0au5

Anonymous said...

ck5kh9 xtreme no prices sp8ti1 http://xtremenoprice.tumblr.com as2hy9 xtreme no in stores ej2my7

Anonymous said...

ga6so4 xtreme no in stores fe7cs9 xtreme no muscle gain ki2oi9 xtreme no in stores jx7mp0

Anonymous said...

5ernt084 provillus video 3pxch459 provillus official site 7sszj608 provillus directions for use 7bpvd177

Anonymous said...

ol2oa4 garcinia cambogia beneficios yv3is8 cheap garcinia cambogia tt3np9 garcinia cambogia ultra vd1ex3

Anonymous said...

jr5rm3 garcinia cambogia premium lm4fg5 garcinia cambogia ot8zg9 garcinia cambogia on dr oz rt7ie6

Anonymous said...

pu1gy8 hgh energizer pill jx1iy8 cheap hgh energizer ya4aj1 hgh energizer in the philippines bd3kg9

Anonymous said...

jp8kz9 hgh energizer in the philippines rk7wh5 http://hghenergizersupplement.tumblr.com fe0zh2 hgh energizer capsules en0ji5

Anonymous said...

hn3mo0 hgh energizer no fantastico sm4qr4 buy hgh energizer am4tp9 hgh energizer aw3lv9

Anonymous said...

wa9cp2 hgh energizer reviews ze9xk1 hgh energizer buy ya5of2 hgh energizer efeitos colaterais nx5ta0

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax effects for recreation - xanax drug abuse symptoms

Anonymous said...

cheap tramadol online tramadol zoloft taken together - tramadol ultram wiki

Anonymous said...

buy raspberry ketones at walmart 1xw1tt6 buy raspberry ketones where can i buy raspberry ketones vitamins 9jx9dg0

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol 50 mg cut in half - us tramadol online pharmacy

Anonymous said...

xanax online taking xanax for anxiety - is 1 mg of xanax a lot

Anonymous said...

tramadol 50mg cheap online tramadol cod - tramadol pregnancy

Anonymous said...

tramadol no prescription buy tramadol online cod - order tramadol cod saturday delivery

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol no prescription online - tapering off ultram tramadol

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax overdose foaming mouth - pass swab drug test xanax

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol overdose erowid - tramadol buy australia

Anonymous said...

cheap alprazolam xanax buy online no prescription uk - xanax pills dosage

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol online cod - tramadol online no prescription overnight delivery

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cheap online order tramadol with mastercard - buy generic tramadol no prescription

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol 50 mg half life - buy tramadol in usa

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol 350 mg overdose on carisoprodol - carisoprodol soma ingredients

Anonymous said...

tramadol cheap tramadol 50 mg vs norco - tramadol for dogs reactions

Anonymous said...

buy carisoprodol carisoprodol 500mg - carisoprodol tab

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online no prescription cheap can you buy tramadol dominican republic - buy cheapest tramadol

Anonymous said...

generic tramadol tramadol hcl ingredients - tramadol high energy

Anonymous said...

carisoprodol drug carisoprodol no prescription needed - carisoprodol or soma

Anonymous said...

order tramadol tramadol hydrochloride for dogs side effects - tramadol for dogs 100mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol online missouri - tramadol hcl ultram 50 mg

Anonymous said...

tramadol no prescription tramadol ultram online - buy tramadol us pharmacy

Anonymous said...

xanax online xanax high 1 mg - xanax side effects and withdrawal

Anonymous said...

cialis buy online no prescription cheap cialis online us - cialis daily and bph

Anonymous said...

xanax online long will 1mg xanax stay urine - how to buy xanax online for cheap

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol 180 tramadol online order - tramadol zyrtec interaction

Anonymous said...

http://landvoicelearning.com/#51438 tramadol hydrochloride tablets 100mg - 500mg tramadol overdose

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol tramadol online usa - tramadol 50mg hcl

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol hcl 50mg generic - tramadol high forum

Anonymous said...

buy discount tramadol tramadol withdrawal+muscle aches - order tramadol online next day

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol 100mg buy online - buy tramadol online illegal

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol where to buy tramadol online safely - buy tramadol no prescription online

Anonymous said...

learn how to buy tramdadol can take 2 tramadol 50 mg - tramadol withdrawal symptoms

Anonymous said...

http://blog.dawn.com/dblog/buy/#21563 tramadol-ratiopharm 50 mg kapszula - tramadol high how many mg

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol ultram addiction - buy tramadol online forum

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online with mastercard buy tramadol eu - tramadol hcl 50 mg uses

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online buy tramadol online pharmacy - tramadol 100 mg slow release

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg get you high - tramadol addiction in gaza

Anonymous said...

http://reidmoody.com/#49853 ativan uses effects - signs of ativan addiction

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online get over tramadol addiction - buy tramadol pay cod

Anonymous said...

where can i order xanax online xanax bars no prescription online - xanax 0.25

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol online tramadol generic ultram 50 mg 180 pills - buy tramadol online cod

Anonymous said...

rh0rh3 wartrol customes reviews cy9gb5 wartrol customes reviews wq2mx9 wartrol reviews ce3fx0 buy wartrol qs2si2

Anonymous said...

http://bayshorechryslerjeep.com/#3880 urine drug test for xanax - high off xanax xr

Anonymous said...

qfqkneh nzfelz [url=http://sbac.org/ralphlaureneaby.aspx]ralph lauren outlet[/url] vskrbr [url=http://www.deralphlaurensaleoutlet.info/]ralph lauren online shop[/url] shzpvu [url=http://sbac.org/de/monclereaby.aspx]moncler jacken[/url] yjzfag [url=http://www.longchampoutletsttaschen.info/]www.longchampoutletsttaschen.info[/url] atjtur [url=http://www.monclerjackennoutlets.info/]moncler[/url] zzazcr [url=http://sbac.org/ralphlaureneaby.aspx]polo ralph lauren[/url] rpxyux znxspea