* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Vayishlach For the week ending 16 Kislev 5755 18 & 19 November 1994 =========================================================================== A Reminder: Subscribe to OS-Special to get the CHANUKAH issue next week ! =========================================================================== Parsha Questions 1. Who did Yaakov send to Esav in Se'ir? 2. Why was Yaakov both "afraid" and "distressed"? 3. How did Yaakov prepare for his encounter with Esav? 4. Hashem had promised Yaakov that He would protect him. Why was Yaakov afraid of Esav? 5. During Yaakov's encounter with Esav, where was Dinah? 6. Why was Yaakov "remaining alone"? (32:25) 7. With whom did Yaakov wrestle? 8. Why did Esav embrace Yaakov? 9. How long did Yaakov dwell in Succos? 10. Why did Yosef stand between Esav and Rachel? 11. What happened to the four hundred men that accompanied Esav? 12. What did Shimon and Levi do wrong when they killed the people of Shechem? 13. From where did Yaakov's children obtain their idols? 14. Why does the Torah mention the death of Devorah? 15. Which two kings were from the tribe of Binyamin? 16. Rachel died when she gave birth to Binyamin and who else? 17. How old was Yaakov when Yosef was sold? 18. Which three categories of people have their sins pardoned? 19. Why did Esav leave Eretz Canaan? 20. Where is Magdiel? Bonus QUESTION: In verse 28:14, Hashem had already promised Yaakov that his descendants would be "like the dust of the earth [very numerous]." Since this promise had not yet been fulfilled, certainly no harm would come to Yaakov! So then, why was Yaakov so afraid of Esav? I Did Not Know That! The "price" of flattery: Because Yaakov flattered Esav with the words "my master" eight times -- eight kings ruled in Edom before there was a king over the Jewish People. Ba'al HaTurim =========================================================================== Answers to this Week's Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated 1. 32:4 - Angels (not human messengers). 2. 32:8 - He was afraid he would be killed. He was distressed that he would have to kill. 3. 32:9 - He sent gifts, he prayed, and he prepared for war. 4. 32:11 - Yaakov was worried that perhaps he had sinned and lost Hashem's protection. 5. 32:23 - Yaakov locked her in a chest so that Esav wouldn't see her and want to marry her. 6. 32:25 - He returned to the other side of the river because he had forgotten some small jars. 7. 32:25 - With Esav's guardian angel. 8. 33:4 - His pity was aroused when he saw Yaakov bowing to him so many times. 9. 33:17 - Eighteen months. 10. 34:7 - He wanted to prevent Esav from gazing at his mother. 11. 34:16 - They slipped away one by one. 12. 34:25 - They acted without consulting their father. 13. 35:2 - From the spoils of Shechem. 14. 35:8 - Because she was sent to call Yaakov to come home, and died along the way. Also, her death coincided with the death of Rivka. 15. 35:11 - Shaul and Ishboshes. 16. 35:17 - Two twin sisters. 17. 35:29 - One hundred and eight. 18. 36:3 - One who converts, one who is elevated to a position of leadership, and one who marries. 19. 36:7 - He was ashamed for having sold his birthright. 20. 36:43 - Rome. Bonus ANSWER: Yaakov was afraid that perhaps Hashem's promise that his descendants would be very numerous was referring to children who would be born to him in the future, and that his presently existing family was in fact in danger. Ba'al HaTurim =========================================================================== THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENROLL FOR THE JLE ISRAEL SEMINAR `94-'95 3 weeks of study and touring, optional Ulpan, and structured encounters with Israeli Dignitaries Departure December 22 Optional free week Jan 8-15 For Jewish men between the ages of 19 and 30 with demonstrated academic achievment and a sincere motivation to explore their roots. 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