‘Dew’ in Hebrew is the word tal and represents not only morning dew, but also the mist in the evening. Dew symbolizes spiritual well-being and resurrection just as well-watered land produces enough moisture to bring forth dew. Without dew, there is no spiritual rebirth, blessing or flourishing crops (Zechariah 8:12, Haggai 1:9-10). The blessing that Isaac gave Esau was not spiritual nor did it include the physical blessing of moisture needed for one who works the land. Isaac’s blessing on Esau to be “away from” the dew was actually a curse on his son.
Category: Torah Portions
Parashah 5: Hayyei-Sarah (Sarah’s life)
The third letter in the Hebrew alef-bet is gimel and means ‘camel.’ The Hebrew Letter Picture for gimel symbolizes ‘pride’ or being ‘raised up.’ Eliezer has the camels kneel, a necessary action in order to dismount a camel; however, kneeling is also symbolic of humility. Eliezer humbly seeks the Elohim of Abraham for favor and wisdom. He also ‘puts out a fleece’ so he will recognize the answer to his prayer. Elohim is faithful to Eliezer and opens his eyes to see the woman He has chosen to be Isaac’s wife.
Parashah 4: Vayera (He appeared)
El Shaddai reveals His plans for the two cities that had become very wicked. Abraham challenges His mercy and the two discuss the number of righteous people living in the cities compared to the wicked. For how many righteous would El Shaddai relent on his judgment? Fifty, forty, twenty? Finally, El Shaddai yields to Abraham. For the sake of ten righteous, He will not destroy the cities. Unfortunately, only Lot, his wife, and Lot’s two unmarried daughters meet the criteria.
Parashah 3: Lekh L’kah (Get yourself out)
A deep sleep comes upon Abram as the sun is setting, and a great darkness comes over him. Elohim tells Abram that his descendants would be foreigners in a land that is not theirs. They would be oppressed and enslaved 400 years until He would judge that nation. Abram’s descendants would then leave that land with many possessions; however, Abram would not see these events with his own eyes as he would sleep with his ancestors. In the fourth generation, his descendants would return to the Land of Promise.