Parshas Vayeishev

After the brothers sold Yosef to the mitzriyim, they dipped his coat into blood and told their father Yaakov that Yosef was killed by a wild animal. For the next 22 years, Yaakov mourned his son. He could not be consoled because his son was really alive all along.

We don't like to think about death while we are alive in this world because it makes us feel vulnerable and we have to take a good look at where we are holding in our life, our accomplishments and our spiritual level. But it's helpful to think about once in a while and to ask ourselves, "Are we maximizing our time while we're here?" 
"Are we developing our character or only spending time on things that are fleeting?"
"What will people remember about us once we're gone?" 

May we be zoche to live long,  happy and productive lives and utilize these questions to move higher and become better!

Parshas Vayishlach

After Yakov fought the Malach of Eisav, he asked him, "What is your name?" The response of the malach was, "Why are you asking for my name?"

This is the essence of the yetzer hara. He tries to disguise himself so we don't realize we are doing the wrong thing. Things become unclear when we are fighting the yetzer hara and don't realize it's him. Things like, "I'm saying this for to'eles" or "I'm going online for a good reason" (and end up wasting so much time) are ways the yetzer hara traps us. Any time we are tricked into thinking were doing something good but the loss outweighs the gain, we should realize it's time to back down.

May we be able to be vigilant, on guard and aware of these tricks so we can come out winning the battle against the Sar shel Eisav, the yetzer hara!

Parshas Vayeitzei

Vayeitzei
Rashi tells us that the reason the passuk says Yaakov left is because when a tzaddik leaves a place, it makes an impression. People feel a loss; they gained a lot from his presence and now that he is no longer there, it affects them.

We should think about our presence and how it affects others. Are we pleasant to be around? What happens when we leave-our homes, offices, schools or any place where we are surrounded by others? Do people silently think "good riddance" or do they feel like they gained something by spending time in our presence? Do we leave a lasting impression on those who we come in contact with? We can-by complimenting them, by listening in a real way and by creating lasting connections.

May we be able to interact with those around us in a meaningful way so that when we part, people feel the difference and want to emulate our actions!

Parshas Toldos

When Eisav came in from the field tired and hungry, he agreed to sell the bechorah in exchange for lentil soup. He gave up something eternal and got something fleeting instead.

When we are tired, hungry or stressed, we don't have the clarity to make good decisions. We might say or do things we will later regret. It takes a lot of work to be able to maintain an inner sense of calm but when we can do that, we will be in complete control of ourselves and our reactions. We will be able to respond to people with calm logic instead of reacting with emotional intensity. 

May we be able to pay attention to our inner selves and regulate our emotions in a healthy way so we can deal with all situations calmly and with clarity!

Parshas Chaya Sara

Avraham sent his servant Eliezer to find a wife for his son Yitzchok. Eliezer looked for one quality in the girl in question. She must be a baalas chessed, someone who notices what someone else needs and offers to go above and beyond-in this case by giving water to Eliezer and his camels.

We see that the most important part of a person is their character, their middos and the way they care for others. Not looks, not money, not talents-but what the person does with the gifts they were given. We should reflect on our own selves and make sure we are using whatever qualities we have to make a difference in the lives of others.

May we be able to appreciate the things that really matter in others and keep using our talents and gifts to help other people!