Vayetzei:
Leah’s Eyes
The Torah’s introduction of Rachel and Leah contains the roots of their conflict: “Leah had weak (or soft) eyes; Rachel was shapely and beautiful” (Genesis 29:17). Clearly, Rachel was the more physically attractive of the two sisters. But why does the Torah specifically mention Leah’s eyes?
This op ed piece by Rabbi Marc D. Angel appears in the Jerusalem Post, November 12, 2026.
Yael Deilli, a recent convert to Judaism in Israel, has prepared a guide to help others who are considering halakhic conversion. It is a free service, offering guidance in English, Hebrew and Russian.
When we say, “I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and even if he tarries, I will wait for him” —what are waiting for, what are we hoping for?
As we approach year end 2026, we turn to you to enable the Institute to continue--and expand--our work. Your contribution is a reflection of your partnership in the Institute's work.
Over the past two centuries, archaeology has transformed the study of the ancient world. Periodically, a dramatic announcement appears in the news: an inscription, a seal, or a structure that allegedly sheds new light on the biblical period. The reactions tend to be immediate and predictable.
Due to the complexity of human nature, great individuals also struggle with character weaknesses. Straying from the facts robs Tanakh of some of its most powerful messages and leaves readers without authentic role models.
We are thrilled to report that Rabbi Hayyim Angel has published the third volume of his new commentary on Tanakh: The Heart of Judges. Along with The Heart of the Five Megillot and The Heart of Joshua, it is available at amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats.
This part of a project that ultimately will cover the entire Tanakh. Upcoming volumes currently in preparation are:
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.
Da'at Press has published Rabbi Marc Angel's book, Jewish Minds for Humankind. The book is available through this link: https://www.daat.press/product-page/jewish-minds-for-humankind-rabbi-marc-angel The book is published in memory of Gilda Angel, a"h.
Judaism must not dissipate into just another culture of the past, but it also cannot shrink into a small group of intentionally pious figures and their followers. Judaism must retain its national character, and its leaders and sages must look toward addressing the needs of not just those who choose to scrupulously fulfill the law, but also to those who do no such thing.