Blessings
The constant and recurring theme throughout the book of Bereishit are the many blessings Given and recieved by the Avot, our patriarchs.
In this week's Parsha we again find a reference to the blessing, "And Isaac called Jacob and blessed him ..." (Bereishit 28:1)
The Abarbanel in his commentary Focuses on some of these episodes and asks, What are the mechanics of blessings? How do they work? What makes somebody worthy of the blessing?
The Lubavitcher Rebbe offers a very powerful insight insight into how the blessing works.
The clue to the mystery of blessings can be revealed by scrutinizing some of the important blessings encountered in our Parsha studies.
For example, in Parshas "Lech Lecha, " Gd asks Abram to leave his land, his birthplace, and his home. Only then does Gd promise, " and I will bless you. "
That act of sacrifice on Avraham ' s part, listening to Gd ' s instructions on how Difficult matter, created the closeness, the channel through the blessing Which Could flow.
Almost the identical episode Occurs with Yitzchak, although the Circumstances are the exact opposite. There is a terrible hunger in the Land of Israel, Yitzchak and decides to journey to Egypt, where there is an abundance of food.
In this case, Gd Appears to Yitzchak and asks him to Remain in Eretz Yisroel Despite the life-threatening famine. Only then does Gd Assure him, " I will be with you, and I will bless you. "
Again, only by Actively demonstrating his devotion to Gd, did the closeness que Yitzchak Achieve the bracha expresso to life.
So now we can begin to understand the secret of blessings. First, " leave because I tell you, " or "stay because I ask you. " Clearly, the blessings que truly matter and transform our lives are Manifested through our actions. *
Shabbat Shalom!
* For an explanation on how the blessings Jacob received in this week's Parsha, were directly linked to his actions, Please see link below. From an address to the International Conference of Shluchim 2012 in New York City.
http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/2032149/jewish/Why-Jacob-Left-Home.htm
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.