A new episode in the weekly series by the Chief Rabbi of Dnipro, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki, dedicated to the Torah portion of Vayechi, has been released on the “Menorah” YouTube channel. At the heart of this lesson is the topic of anger and a person’s inner strength, their emotions and character traits that can either build or destroy one’s destiny.
Parshas Vayechi describes the final days of the patriarch Yaakov and his address to his sons—words that sum up their entire lives and reveal the spiritual roots of the future Jewish people. Special attention is given to the complex and seemingly contradictory assessments of the actions of Shimon and Levi, as well as the choice of Yehuda as the progenitor of the royal line.
In his explanation, Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki focuses on the concept of “middot”—soul traits that, according to the Torah, must always have measure and direction. Anger, he says, is not unequivocally evil or good: it all depends on whether a person can control this power or becomes its hostage. It is uncontrolled rage, even when cloaked in good intentions, that can lead to tragic consequences.
The Rabbi brings examples from the Torah, showing why the deed of Shimon and Levi, carried out to defend their sister’s honor, was criticized, and how Yehuda’s ability to restrain himself in time and take responsibility made him a true leader. Through these images, a profound lesson is revealed about the balance between passivity and aggression, justice and self-control—a balance essential for both personal growth and leadership.
This episode is addressed to everyone who wants to understand themselves better, learn to manage their emotions, and transform inner strength into a source of creation, not destruction. The new lesson is already available on the “Menorah” YouTube channel. Watch the video and share your thoughts in the comments—let’s continue this important conversation together.
