Daily Verse: Genesis 49:15
Wednesday 11 Tevet 5783 (04.01.23)
By Rabbi Michael Skobac
Bearing the Burden Wilingly?
"FOR HE SAW THAT THE RESTING PLACE WAS GOOD...AND HE BOWED HIS SHOULDER TO THE BURDEN" .
It is very challenging to accurately translate the blessings that Jacob gave to his children at the end of his life. The words and poetry are difficult, but can be spun in beautiful ways if you allow for some flexibility. For example, in the above blessing to Issachar:
For he saw that the resting place was good: How can you have a life of tranquility and true peace and rest? By bowing his shoulder to the burden; you must accustom yourself to being a patient person, ready to endure anything that may come your way. Only then will you live in serene calmness. (R' Simcha Bunim of P'shischa)
By Rabbi Michael Skobac
Rabbi Michael Skobac had been involved with Jews for Judaism (Canada) since 1989 and currently serves as its Director of Education and Counselling. He is a leading authority on missionaries, cults and issues relating to Jewish continuity and Jewish spirituality. Rabbi Skobac's publications include Missionary Impossible; Counter-Missionary Survival Guide; The DaVinci Code: A Jewish Perspetive; and Intermarriage: Is There Ligth at teh End of the Tunnel?
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Republished by Angelique Sijbolts with permission for the Noahide Academy.
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