Mendel Bluming | Blogger

It is a perplexing story in the Torah. Jacob fools his father to think that he is Esau in order to receive the blessing that his mother believes he would be able to actualize far better in this world. Just about every commentator questions: what could possibly justify such a lie?! One approach that is taken is hinted to in Yitzchak’s unexpected response when he finds out that he was tricked. He says, “and blessed shall he be”. Instead of telling Esau I retract the blessing from Jacob because I gave it to him mistakenly and instead I transfer the blessing to you, instead he says the blessing will remain with Jacob. Why? Jacob understood that what his father really wanted was a child who could don the garbs of Esau without losing the voice of Jacob. It is that unique combination that is capable of bringing the spiritual message of Abraham and Isaac into a difficult world. Ultimately although Yitzchak was duped he was thrilled to be tricked because it showed him that his son could...

There are several different types of genius. There is genius of the mind, like Einstein. There is musical genius, as in Mozart, and artistic genius, like Rembrandt. Shakespeare would be a genius of the pen. There are sporting geniuses and business geniuses. Each one possesses an uncanny ability to excel in their field, and do what they are good at with a flair and panache that sets them apart from others.   But there is another type of genius, perhaps greater than them all. That is genius of the heart. There are many kind-hearted people. But a genius of the heart is on another level. Such a person acts with love and care that goes beyond normal niceness. They don't just do good. They are brilliant in their benevolence, creative in their kindness. They find their way into everyone's heart, because theirs is so open and loving. This was Abraham. He had a knack for not only being kind to people, but making them feel good about it. He is the host that makes guests feel wanted...

In heaven three angels received an unexpected and very exciting text. They were to descend to the earth to visit Abraham’s tent to bring him the good news about a new child Isaac who would be born to him and Sarah etc. Looking from heaven they imagined that they would meet a great saint and mystic, a spiritual leader and great sage.   Instead they met a caterer... When they come to his tent he provides them with the finest cuisine and he personally prepares it and keeps them company and makes sure that they are comfortable. They must've been perplexed! Is this a spiritual giant or just a nice guy who knows how to cook a good dinner?! Being from heaven you cannot blame the Angels. Here on earth the holiest people are those who transcend themselves to be there for another. That transforms selfish earthliness into divine transcendence. Are you able to put yourself aside to truly wholeheartedly serve the needs of another? That is the mark of Jewish greatness. Mendel (Menachem...

It happened 2000 years ago. There was a plague that ravaged 24,000 disciples of Rabbi Akiva. The Talmud (Yevamot 62b) teaches us that the reason for it was a lack of decency amongst the students toward each other.   Commentators question how it is possible that Rabbi Akiva, who taught that love of a fellow is the foundation of the entire Torah, would have so many students who could possibly show such intolerance toward each other? Their explanation is as relevant today as it was then. The students saw all of the future of Judaism dependent on interpretations and halachic decisions of the time. Because of that, they could not tolerate another person who had a different view because they believed that the other's view would veer Judaism off its path. In G-d’s eyes this was appalling. Even when you believe the other person is wrong and even if you believe that the repercussions of their beliefs will derail Judaism for generations, you still must never lose the dignity and r...