Death Insurance

And Yaakov became very frightened and it distressed him. So he divided the people with him, and the flocks, and the cattle, and the camels, into two camps. And he said, “If Esov comes to the one camp and strikes it, then the remaining camp will be a refuge.” Ch.32/8-9

Rashi comments on the last phrase: Against Esov’s will, because I will do battle with him.

Why was Yaakov so confident that the second camp would escape? Maybe Esov would defeat Yaakov and then go on to destroy the second camp? continue reading

All or Nothing
“And G-d blessed Avraham with all.” (Bereishis 24:1)

The true tsadik (righteous person) is, by definition, a model of selflessness. His main concern is what G-d wants of him, and what other people want and need. His own material substance, beyond maintaining his health and strength to serve G-d, is of little concern to him. continue reading