Sword and Bow

And I have given you Shechem – one (portion) more than your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow. Ch.48/8

After Shimon and Levi killed all the men in Shechem, the surrounding nations gathered to fight with Yaakov. Here Yaakov tells us that he single-handedly defeated them with his sword and bow. Rashi quotes the Sages that his sword refers to his wisdom, his bow was his prayer.

But how did the Sages know that these terms were not to be taken literally? Perhaps Yaakov was a mighty warrior, like Dovid HaMelech (King David) or Shimshon? continue reading

Three Hints to Chanukah

As this parsha usually falls out the same time as Chanukah, we shall try and make the connection between them.

The Greeks made three decrees against the Jews: Kiddush HaChodesh (sanctifying the new moon at the beginning of the month), Mila (circumcision) and Shabbos. To remind us of the eternity of the Jewish people and that our connection to the mitzvot can never be broken, all three of these mizvot are hinted at in the parsha. continue reading