Parshat Vayetze
This week's parsha continues with Jacob's adventure. Last week, he stole the blessing from his older brother, Esau, and fled to escape the consequences. Watch the video to see what happens next then answer the questions and submit your responses below.
Now that we are mid-way through the book of Genesis we can clearly see that the issue of sibling rivalry appears in almost all the stories. Think back: In the first family, one brother, Cain, kills the other, Abel. Then, we meet Jacob and Esau who fight for their parents' love. Now we read about Leah and Rachel who compete the love of their shared husband, Jacob. Oy! That's a lot sibling rivalry!
Why do you think this issue of sibling competing and fighting with one another is at the center of these stories? If you have siblings, brothers or sisters, think about your relationship with them. Are there certain things you compete over? What are they? Why do you fight? What are you jealous of. If you don't have siblings, do you experience jealousy with a close friend?
In the book of Proverbs, we even read, "Jealousy in the heart makes the bones rot." Jealousy can certainly ruin our relationships and lives.
Think about ways you've been jealous of others and share with one another who you've been able to overcome, or make peace with these feelings, or even how jealousy has ruined a relationship.
Family Discussion:
1. In this parshah, we read about Rachel and Leah competing with each other for Jacob's love. Have you ever competed against someone you care about like a friend or a family member?
2. Is it easier or harder to compete with someone you care about?
3. No matter who you are competing with, how do you make sure that you are a good sport in the competition? Give 2 suggestions for keeping competitions fair.
Now that we are mid-way through the book of Genesis we can clearly see that the issue of sibling rivalry appears in almost all the stories. Think back: In the first family, one brother, Cain, kills the other, Abel. Then, we meet Jacob and Esau who fight for their parents' love. Now we read about Leah and Rachel who compete the love of their shared husband, Jacob. Oy! That's a lot sibling rivalry!
Why do you think this issue of sibling competing and fighting with one another is at the center of these stories? If you have siblings, brothers or sisters, think about your relationship with them. Are there certain things you compete over? What are they? Why do you fight? What are you jealous of. If you don't have siblings, do you experience jealousy with a close friend?
In the book of Proverbs, we even read, "Jealousy in the heart makes the bones rot." Jealousy can certainly ruin our relationships and lives.
Think about ways you've been jealous of others and share with one another who you've been able to overcome, or make peace with these feelings, or even how jealousy has ruined a relationship.
Family Discussion:
1. In this parshah, we read about Rachel and Leah competing with each other for Jacob's love. Have you ever competed against someone you care about like a friend or a family member?
2. Is it easier or harder to compete with someone you care about?
3. No matter who you are competing with, how do you make sure that you are a good sport in the competition? Give 2 suggestions for keeping competitions fair.
