Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayishlach/0/en
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Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Vayishlach
Shimon and Levi on Trial
How do you evaluate Shimon and Levi's slaughter of the city of Shekhem? Should their actions be justified as an appropriate avenging of their sister's honor or be condemned as overly harsh and cruel?
- With which of the above do you agree? See Sin and Slaughter of Shekhem and debate the various possibilities at your Shabbat table.
- The story raises the question of the relative benefits of policies of restraint versus active deterrence, the morality of collective punishment versus targeted killings, and the appropriate response to the use of human shields. Discuss these issues with your family as they relate both to the actions of the brothers and to contemporary controversies.
Esav: Friend or Foe?
Parashat Vayishlach opens with Yaakov fearful that Esav is coming to attack with 400 men. When the two actually reunite, however, Esav greets him with a hug and kiss. Was the change of heart the result of Yaakov's efforts at appeasement, or is it possible that Yaakov's original evaluation of Esav's intent was erroneous and that Esav had already forgiven his brother? What is it that enables people to forgive and forget?
- Compare Radak and Rashbam's approaches. With whom do you agree?
- Rashbam claims that not only was Yaakov's fear of his brother unwarranted, but that his attempts to flee were punished. What textual support can you bring for such a position? See Wrestling With Angels and Men.
- Rashbam is consistent throughout his commentary on Bereshit in viewing Esav as a neutral, rather than wicked, figure. Do you agree with such a portrait, or do you find the evil Esav of the Midrash to be a more accurate depiction? See A Portrait of Esav for elaboration.
