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This Week's Parsha - Vayishlach

Questions for Preparation and Self Study
Shiur #1 - Yaakov's Name Change to Yisrael
Shiur #2 - What is Yaakov Doing in Shechem?

Yaakov's Name Change to Yisrael
Even though Yaakov's name change to Yisrael appears to be quite similar to Avram's name change to Avraham, in essence, they are very different. In contrast with Avraham, where a single letter ["heh"] is added to his existing name - Yisrael constitutes an entirely new name. Furthermore, 'Yisrael' serves as an alternative name for Yaakov, in contrast with Avraham which became a replacement! In this week's shiur, we explain how the nature of this name change may reflect a very critical stage in development of the "bechira" process in Sefer Breishit. Online:
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Hebrew Translation

What is Yaakov Doing in Shechem?
Upon his arrival in Eretz Canaan, why doesn't Yaakov go immediately home? After all, he has been away from his parents for over twenty years! Similarly, why doesn't Yaakov return immediately to Bet-el to fulfill his "neder?" After all, he had promised God that 'should he return home safely,' that he would establish a Bet Elokim in Bet-el! Instead, Yaakov buys property and establishes his household in Shechem. He only moves on to Bet-el much later, after the incident with Dena, and only after God commands him to do so! What's going on? In this week's shiur we suggest a very simple answer, based on a rather intricate analysis. Online:
HTML / V.C.R.
(Virtual ClassRoom)

Offline/Download:
V.C.R. (zip file)
ASCII Text
Word
Hebrew Translation