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This week, Jews worldwide read from the weekly bible portion of VaYishlach. In it, we find Jacob, along with his family, riches, and abundance of livestock, on the road, preparing to meet his brother, Eisav, who has believed for the last 20 years that Jacob is dead. Since Eisav sanctioned the murder of his brother 20 years earlier, this pivotal meeting in the bible is tense and terrifying for Jacob and his family. Jacob had no idea what to expect. He had no idea how Eisav would react.How did Jacob he prepare?Jacob took three steps in his preparation for the...

Throughout history, the Jewish nation has been tormented, persecuted, enslaved, expelled, and has gone through repeated attempts at being annihilated. In the year 3408 (353 B.C.E.), the Jewish people, after having recently returned from the Babylonian exile, rebuilt the Second Temple with the permission of Darius and Cyrus. After some time, Alexander the Great conquered Jerusalem. Many of Alexander's generals and advisors attempted to persuade him to hinder the spiritual practices of the Jews. An incredible moment is documented in the Talmud, Tractate Tamid (27b). Shimon the Righteous led a delegation of Jews out to the gates of Jerusalem to...

As Jews around the country are purchasing guns and arming themselves, it is clear that there is a need not just for training but for guidance. While groups of Jews around the country are hiring companies to do risk assessments and active shooter training, there is one thing that I am not seeing, and that is guidance to those who are beginning to carry a firearm. Let me explain. Contrary to what many Jews (and new gun owners in general) might think, purchasing your first firearm and beginning to carry it does not make you infallible. It is not a...

A few years ago, I was working at a small gun store in Texas. An older gentleman wearing faded jeans, a tucked navy blue polo shirt, gold-framed glasses, and a hat that read WWII Vet (with ribbons and markings I did not recognize) was rolled into the store by a woman (who I assume was his daughter). On the gentleman’s lap was a beat-up and faded olive drab, soft, long gun case and another one, but for a pistol. Understand, this was nothing new because we would get numerous men and some women from the greatest generation looking to offload...