Vayetze

Ya’akov and Going Out

By AVI NEUMAN

Ya’akov teaches us that environmental — or any other social action — is at root the recognition that our lives can manifest the world as it should be, rather than accepting what it is or appears to be. A truly “Jewish” ecology must recognize spiritual orientation, or reorientation, as the starting point for meaningful practical action

It’s Time to Wake Up!

By RABBI ELLIOT ROSE KUKLA

The awareness of the presence of God to which Jacob wakes in this week's parshah is what spurs him to continue on his journey. AIDS deaths continue to mount in the poorest parts of the U.S. and around the world. As the people of Israel, may we live up to this name and transform ourselves from silent observers of the AIDS pandemic to those who continue to wrestle with God and humanity for action and for life.

Laban's Excuse: Labor Ethics and "Community Standards"

BY JEREMY BURTON

The first employer-employee relationship in the Torah was full of chicanery. As heirs of Jacob, the exploited employee, we should challenge kashrut supervisors to withhold certification from companies lacking basic working standards.

Holiness in Unexpected Places

BY RABBI DAVID ROSENN

At Bethel, Jacob awoke and said: Surely the Lord is here, and I did not know it! When you engage in tikkun olam (repairing the world), God may be present, too.