This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43). I discuss it with Rabbi Rabbs.
* 34:23 Hamor is double-dealing. (JPS) Shechem and Hamor don’t mention the real reason they want to do this deal (so Shechem can marry Dina).
* Is the Jewish custom that you ask first and then sleep with daughter, or may you sleep first, then ask?
* 35:2 Jacob tells his household to rid itself of alien gods. What was going on?
Clean clothes important to Israelite religion. There are constant injunctions to launder and to change your clothes.
* What do you think of Reuben laying his dad’s concubine Bilhah? Was this more sexual or political? (JPS)
* Why is there so much sex in our holy Torah? Surely children should not read these things.
* Would you agree that the greatest thing you can is to die for HaShem?
* Does not God’s promise to Noah mean that there will not be catastrophic climate change?
* What about the Lingerie Football League? I’m trying to work out my feelings about this. Two of my favorite things going at it. Fred emails: “Physical exercise and sport are good for the soul.”
