Unmasking the Mysterious Dr. X: Wrestling Toward the Light (Vayislach 5777)

When I was nine years old my uncle took me to a wrestling match in a car dealership parking lot. Until that evening, in my mind wrestlers were real costumed superheroes -- battling forces of evil and darkness. That view was shattered when my uncle ushered us 'backstage' to meet the mysterious Dr. X. Wow!

In the ring, he was mysterious and fierce. But backstage he was an ordinary guy -- a really big, sweaty, ordinary guy. He wore no mask. He sat in a folding chair. As I waited for his autograph, the man behind the mask mystery was talking to another wrestler. They were deciding which of them would "win" the next bout. Huh!?! 

Wrestling is faked?!? 'No way,' I thought. But the evidence was clear. I was devastated. 

Dr. X comes to mind often when reading this week's Torah portion, Vayishlach.

When Competing Worldviews Collide: Rebecca's Response (Toledot 5777)

The 2016 presidential election reflects the collision of two competing worldviews. It is an awe-inspiring conflict leaving some angry and confused about what it means for them and their values. Others are elated and confident about what it means for them and their values. And others are not sure what to think or feel. The aftermath of the election is prompting existential questions for many of us about what we value and how we stand up to others whose values differ from our own. 

This week's Torah portion begins with similar existential questions. It also offers insight and raises questions about how one might respond to this type of collision.