Weekly Torah Parashat

Vayishlach (Parashat #8)

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The eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach (וישלח), which means “and he sent.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom” (Genesis 32:3 [verse 4 in Jewish-published Bibles]). Jacob prepares to meet Esau as he returns to the Promised Land, but first he has a mysterious encounter with an angel in the darkness, who changes his name to Israel. The portion follows Jacob’s adventures in the land of Canaan, including the loss of his beloved wife, Rachel.

So each weekly Torah portion is looked at as a “window of opportunity” from a Kabbalistic map viewpoint. An opportunity to connect to the energy accessible during this time of the year. The “story” is important but a deeper dive reveals insights and awarenesses that heretofore may be hidden.

I have a brother. We are not twins like Esau and Jacob but we are only 15 months apart in age. I happen to visiting with him this week. Is he Esau or Jacob? What role am I playing? Esau and Jacob seemed to have direct opposing perspectives when it came to their approach to the questions of Creation. The story talks about Jacob tricking Esau out of his ‘first born’ birthright. He really didn’t trick him….he traded it for a bowl of lentil soup. Nevertheless, Esau was not happy. Jacob spent 14 years working for his uncle Laben and married Leah and Rachel and had many children. Jacob’s children would become the leaders of the tribes of the Israelites.

I previewed several videos and you can find them on YouTube by searching, however, our favorite Rabbi provides a very interesting and appropriate for the times we are in synopsis, I think.

Weekly Torah Parashat

Vayetze – “Jacob’s Ladder”

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The seventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayetze (ויצא), which means “and he went out.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “And Jacob went out from Beersheba” (Genesis 28:10 KJV). This portion tells the story of Jacob’s flight from his brother Esau, his vision at Bethel, his employment with his uncle Laban and his marriage to the two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Jacob’s double marriage results in a baby-bearing contest that gives him eleven sons. At the end of the portion, Jacob leaves Laban and returns to the land of Canaan, but not before Laban tries to stop him.

The posting of the weekly Torah portion is brought with multiple intention. However, the first and foremost, is to simply to bring it each week to the table. Whether you inquire or not is up to you. I would not spend so much time on it if I didn’t think it part of exploring tight alignment.

Metaphysical/Spiritual

THE DIRECT PATH

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Last night, Aldo shared a few of his insights into the practice of mindfulness/awareness practice. I really appreciated his willingness to come to our group and present and guide us. I was particularly impressed with the way Aldo weaved into his presentation the concept of Mapquesting. I thought that , right there, was an example of mindfulness in Action. He obviously took the time to read through some of the posts on choicetimes and did so well enough to pick up the “map” inquiry approach.

He then suggested a map to inquire into – THE DIRECT PATH.

At first, I was slightly offended. I have known Aldo for a long time and we have waxed philosophically on many a matter. And, although Aldo, is one of the kindest souls you may pass by, like most male-male relationships, their is a bit of competition in “arguing” opposing positions, if such things arise. So, right after he mentions the map he Trumps all of our 3 step, 5 step, 8 step maps with The Direct Path? And, to boot, he only goes over it very superficially by saying something like “The Ends are the Same as the Means.” Immediately, I saw the ironic reference to Machiavelli in The Prince, …”The ends justify the means.” Of course, I am trying to be a bit humorous here. I thought Aldo’s presentation was freaking Magical. I wished I had recorded it but I don’t record our zoom sessions. Aldo continued on, even throughout the guided meditation to add texture to our inquiry of the Direct Path Map. Genius. But, I am far from surprised, for my experience of Aldo is that through his gift of “coding” software he has produced miracles that I would never have thought possible, at the time. So, Thank You Adlo. Well done.

As your guide, I decided to do a little “Reecon” on this map called “The Direct Path.” Does this map make all other maps obsolete? So far my conclusion is “No and Yes.” After watching several videos I found this 13 minute discussion on the Direct Path Map. I chose it for several reasons. Notice the person he is talking with. You can’t see her but you can hear her. It is said that we have, or are in the process of entering The Age of Aquarius. What does this mean? Have you ever read the book that came out in the early 80’s called, “The Aquarian Conspiracy.” It is suppose to be a big paradigm shift astrologically.. I am not an expert on it. Nedra may be able to add some context to this.

I believe that THE DIRECT PATH is a map worthy of further inquiry for our group. I would like to hear what you think….

Metaphysical/Spiritual, Weekly Torah Parashat

Toldot

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The sixth reading from the book of Genesis is named Toldot (תולדות), which means “generations.” It is so named because the Torah portion begins with the words “Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac” (Genesis 25:19). Toldot tells us the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau and their struggle for the birthright and blessing of their father, Isaac. We also learn about Isaac’s trials and difficulties in the land of Canaan. The portion concludes with Jacob’s deception of Isaac in order to procure the family blessing. Genesis 25:19 – 28:6.

Metaphysical/Spiritual, Yoga

“The Five Bodies”

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This post is designed to be like a yoga session. It will take 30 minutes of your time.

As your guide, I will attempt to describe “right alignment” and then guide you in discovering and exploring your edge. I am looking forward to hearing some feedback as to how you experienced this.

First, make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing that you can move easily in and you are warm. Lay out your yoga mat. If you use cushions to sit then have them available. Have a blanket for Final Shavassanah.

Play the following song while doing a few yoga poses. Open up the hips with dragon or pigeon. Do a few forward bends and backbends. Stretch neck and connect to breathing. It’s only a short 3 minute stretch here.

Now, establish your sitting position. Take a few minutes to make sure you are set up. Feel the energy rise up in the spine. Pull up through the core slightly. Breath-Relax-Feel-Watch-Allow. Lock into your focused awareness and watch this video. It is 12 minutes long.

When finished take 5 cycles of deep breathing. Inhale for 8 seconds getting full. Hold for 13 seconds, exhale in 8 seconds, hold exhale for 5 seconds and repeat. Switch your legs. Put the one that is in front in back. Then click play on the next video. It is 8 minutes long.

When video finishes set up for final Shivassana and play the audio below.

When video finishes then come back slowly and……

Contemplate the following thoughts:

Do you see a comparison between the 5 koshas in the yogic system and the 5 aspects of the soul described by the Rabbi?

Can you invert the order? Bliss to Physical. Highest level of soul to Nefash.