Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

In this week’s Torah portion, Va’Yishlach, Jacob and Esau reunite after two decades apart. Jacob is terrified because, when last they were together, Esau wanted to kill Jacob for his theft of their father’s blessing. Jacob is relieved that Esau no longer harbors vengeful designs. Still, when Esau suggests that they travel together, Jacob demurs. He understood it was wiser to remain separate.

Each Wednesday night I recite original verse and then play a song that captures a theme in the week’s Torah portion. What follows is my introduction to FOLK-ROCK-TORAH for Va’Yishlach, and a link to the song I played. Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!

After many a year in a faraway land
Jacob was homebound at last
Excited of course but nervous as well
Due to behavior long past

But Esau, his brother, wrapped him in a hug
And upon Jacob’s cheek Esau kissed him
Lovely to see you again, my brother
It was clear that Esau had missed him

Esau entreated Jacob to follow
To join him beyond the next bend
Jacob was flattered and said he would go
But to do so he didn’t intend

It wasn’t that Jacob did not feel relief
That Esau did not want to fight
It’s just that Jacob could clearly perceive
‘Twas best to diverge, not unite

This band’s a bit moody, but light on the blues
They’re really a bit psychedelic
Art rock perhaps, ethereal too
Dreamy and even angelic

What matters now is that Jacob and Esau
Are friendly if not on the same team
And the song I have chosen for Folk-Rock-Torah
Is from “On the Threshold of a Dream”

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill