Our guest his week is Reb Mimi Feigelson, lecturer of Rabbinic Literature and Chassidic Thought at American Jewish University's Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies. Feigelson received her ordination from Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, the late Hasidic master of song, story and Torah after studying with him since she was 16 years old. She holds a Master’s degree in Jewish philosophy from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Reb Feigelson was a founding member and teacher at Yakar Jerusalem: Center for Tradition and Creativity, specializing in Hassidic literature. In addition to her work at the Zeigler school, she is a frequent guest lecturer at the local high schools and synagogues of Los Angeles and Southern California. She is Scholar-in-Residence in many Jewish communities and organizations throughout the USA. Internationally she has taught in Canada, England, the F.S.U and engaged in interfaith dialogue for many years in India. When returning home to Jerusalem she continues to teach there as well.
This week's Torah Portion – Parashat Vayishlach (Genesis 32:3-36:43) – features Jacob's meeting with Esau, his wrestling with an angel, the defiling of Dinah, the death of Isaac and Rachel, and the renaming of Jacob. Our discussion focuses, among other things, on the idea of Jacob as Esau's twin, and how it impacts Jacob's life.
If you would like to learn some more about this parasha, take a look at our conversation with Rabbi Gideon Sylvester.