RABBI'S THOUGHTS:  Vayishlach

With the American presidential elections seemingly over, it is worth mentioning something in connection with this.

The story is told of the American and Israeli leaders having a chat one day - some say it was Golda Meir and some Yitzchak Shamir
"It's very hard working being President over 200 million people" chimes the US President.

"You think you've got problems? Try being Prime Minister over 3 million prime ministers" replies the Israeli.

In this week's Parsha, Jacob's name is changed to Israel, representing the whole of the Jewish nation.

The Mateh Yehudah explains that when it comes to the Jewish people, if one 'Jacob' steps out of line, the whole of 'Israel' are responsible. We are all responsible for one another and in order to function, each individual, like a limb of the body, must be in working order. In this sense each of us is a 'president' as our own actions impact on the whole of 'Israel' and the whole world!

Shabbat Shalom