Outside(r)
THE BIG IDEA
According to the Torah Omens, it should come as no surprise that Israel is making deals this week. The spiritual energy is filled with negotiation and deal making, as Jacob is forced to leave the Holy Land and run for his life.
God offers blessings to Jacob and is met with Jacob’s conditional response. Jacob enters into multiple agreements with his uncle Laban, first offering to work 7 years for his beloved Rachel, and then (14 years into his bondage to Laban) attempts to establish fair wages and payment for his work— both of which are frustrated by Laban’s selfish intentions. Even our matriarch sister wives, Rachel and Leah negotiate nights of intimacy with their shared husband.
In both instances with Laban, even though deals are violated, Jacob continues to press for what he wants, despite his knowledge of his uncle’s tendency. He negotiates at a full disadvantage and fulfills an additional 7 years for his intended bride, and fights for the wages he deserves.
On an Israeli national level we are waiting for a deal to be fulfilled between the Israeli government and a terrorist organization. During this time it feels important to focus on Jacob’s success. He ultimately gets to marry Rachel (in addition to Leah), and gets to keep his wealth (even though he has to run off in secret at night). The moment demands from us to focus our prayers on divine unfolding and our continued appeal for God’s mercy and protection.
On a personal level, don’t be surprised by family drama this week, a fight with your sister, or an internal family conflict might emerge (not just because it’s American Thanksgiving aka Colonizer Day). The sisterhood wound as embodied by the archetypical energies of Rachel and Leah is extremely active. In fact, this week the entire global sisterhood was called out for the way they completely abandoned Israeli victims of rape. Take time this weekend to heal and fully support all of your sisters, biological and otherwise.
And while things might not be straightforward, they do get sorted. This week, along with Jacob, a few of the hostages will, b’h, begin the journey back home. Keep this in mind as we continue to pray for God’s direct and complete mercy, and the safe return of our precious stolen men, women and children, the protection of our soldiers risking their lives, and the eternal safety of Israel and our homeland.
This weekend’s assignment:
PRAY for God’s mercy, compassion, and protection of each and every soldier in Gaza, on the northern border, and everyone living across this Holy Land, and jews around the world. Pray for the safe return of the hostages, for the protection of all innocent beings, and mostly for endless revealed miracles.
Shabbat Shalom.