Latest news with #Esau
Fox News
3 days ago
- Science
- Fox News
Torah's clothing lessons backed by Yale study showing your attire changes how you think
It is in Genesis 27 that Isaac is preparing to pass the torch of Jewish leadership to his son, Esau — who, as the Torah makes clear, is entirely unfit for the role. His twin brother, Jacob, despite his shortcomings, is the one capable of carrying the mission forward. Rebecca, Isaac's wife and the mother of the twins, sees what's about to happen and intervenes. (See the video at the top of this article.) She tells Jacob to pose as Esau and receive the blessing in his place. Her key instruction? Put on Esau's best clothes. Isaac is blind — he won't see what Jacob is wearing. So why the costume? Because Rebecca understands something profound: To act like someone, you first have to feel like that person. And to feel like that person, you need to dress like that person. The strategy works. Jacob puts on the garments and receives the blessing. But the Torah isn't just telling a story; it's teaching a principle. It devotes entire chapters later to the clothing of the high priest — describing in detail the colors of the threads, the fabrics, the accessories, even the design of the undergarments. These aren't ritual decorations. They're instruments of transformation. The priest doesn't just look holy. By wearing sacred garments, he begins to feel holy — and that changes how he behaves. The Torah understood long before modern science that clothing shapes consciousness. Students in business suits negotiated far more successfully than those who were wearing casual clothes. In 2012, researchers at Northwestern conducted an experiment in which they gave participants a white coat. Some were told it was a painter's coat; others were told it was a doctor's coat. Those who believed they were wearing a doctor's coat performed significantly better on tasks requiring focus. In a similar experiment from Yale, students in business suits negotiated far more successfully than those who were wearing casual clothes. Sports fans know this. It's why football stadiums are full of grown men wearing the jerseys of their favorite player. Athletes understand this as well — they know the way they dress affects their performance. Psychologists now call this "enclothed cognition" — the idea that what we wear influences how we think, feel and perform. If you're depressed, you may naturally dress in a way that reflects your sadness — sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt. Psychologists have determined that this will only deepen the sadness. Professor Karen Pine suggests that a sad person should instead dress for happiness, with a well-cut dress made from natural fibers, colors that evoke nature, playful patterns that spark childhood memories — or even pair unexpected items, like a leather jacket over a dress, to engage the brain's craving for novelty. For more Lifestyle articles, visit Once again, God was right. Clothing isn't just about appearance or comfort. It's a tool for shaping who we are. When we dress with purpose, we prepare ourselves to live with purpose. Mark Gerson's new book is "God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True," published by BenBella Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster (June 2025). This article is part of a series featured exclusively by Fox News Digital.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thapelo Esau's debut EP 'Ms Esau': a promising start to her musical journey
Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied For Thapelo Esau, music transcends mere hobbies - it's the essence of who she is. Born and raised in Vosloorus, a vibrant township nestled in the East Rand of Johannesburg, Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. It was there, surrounded by soulful harmonies and spiritual melodies, that she unearthed a gift that would become a driving force in her life. Her sound resonates with the emotional depth of gospel, the soulful richness of R&B, and the rhythmic pulse of house music - genres that were an integral part of her upbringing. This unique blend allows her music to offer both a sense of familiarity and an exciting freshness that appeals to a broad audience. Describing herself as a true 'singer-singer', Esau delivers powerhouse vocals imbued with emotional intensity. She is dedicated to remaining authentic to her voice and message, crafting songs that echo her heart, spirit, and purpose. Over the years, Thapelo Esau has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the "Idols South Africa" stage. Image: Supplied Over the years, she has achieved several milestones, making her mark in the music industry by winning school talent shows and notably gracing the Idols South Africa stage. After first auditioning in 2016, she returned for a second try in 2017, earning a coveted spot in the Top 10 and winning the hearts of many with her extraordinary talent and resilient spirit. In 2024, she reached another career milestone by signing her first record deal with David Gresham Music. The subsequent release of her debut single, 'Vuma', felt like a powerful moment of realisation, a testament to her dedication and hard work. On Friday, she unveiled her eagerly awaited debut EP titled 'Ms Esau'. This collection is a deeply personal body of work, infused with themes of love, encouragement, and uplifting energy. Each track invites listeners to explore Esau as not just an artist but as a woman fearlessly stepping into her power. The stories woven through the EP highlight her truth, vulnerability, and joyful self-expression, paving the way for her forthcoming debut album set to launch later this year. One highlight of the EP is the stirring song 'Nhliziyo', an anthem for weary souls that wraps listeners in a warm embrace of hope and resilience, a touching reminder that after every storm, healing and light await. Another joyous offering is 'Vuma', featuring Loki, which celebrates the beauty of commitment and the triumph of love over adversity. It's a reassuring reminder that no matter the challenges life presents, love conquers all. The EP also features the tender track 'Thando', which opens with a soothing trumpet, painting a picture of a heartfelt pursuit for that special someone. The lyrics echo a longing and commitment, exuding an undeniable warmth. Meanwhile, the final track, 'Ngiyakfhuna', featuring Kings of Kontent, further celebrates love by appreciating a unique connection, asserting that true affection sees no boundaries. Listeners will undoubtedly find this EP to be a celebration of love in its various forms, making it one worth enjoying. Thapelo Esau discovered her passion for music within the sacred walls of her church at the tender age of eight. Image: Supplied In an interview with 'Independent Media Lifestyle', she shared her inspirations and aspirations. 'I'm just a girl from Bozi, East Rand, where the talent resides! My love for music started right at home,' she reminisced, recalling how Sundays were filled with romantic tunes from Metro FM, igniting her passion. With a mother and grandmother renowned for their singing, it was only natural for her to follow suit. Esau continued to explore her artistry, stating, 'I'm a big R&B lover. If I could describe myself musically, I'd say I'm an R&B artist. However, I've decided to play around with different sounds and genres, which has been a lot of fun.' Grateful for her artistic journey, she has collaborated with talented producers and musicians to shape her EP's vibrant soundscape, including John Lundun, Ziggy, Raven Cable, Oriah Reloaded, and Zephbeats, along with features from Loki and Kings of Kontent. 'I've enjoyed working on it,' she admitted, highlighting the teamwork behind her sound's evolution. The choice to title her first body of work 'Ms Esau' carries personal significance. 'I've always been told I have a pretty cool surname,' she said. 'We thought, why not call it Esau and make it a bit more feminine?' Above all, Esau hopes her music resonates on a healing level, noting, 'Honestly, the biggest thing for me is for my music to heal. It just makes you feel heard, seen, good. That's all I want.' She aspires to reach broader audiences and solidify herself as an influential musician, perhaps even setting her sights on global recognition. 'That's the goal!' Lutho Pasiya picks on other new love songs to listen to: "Russian Roulette" by Lady Zamar: This intimate track examines the complexities of a friendship on the verge of romance, capturing the emotional risks involved in love through the clever metaphor of a game. It features an engaging rhythm while exploring themes of uncertainty and longing. "Mnakwethu" by Lwah Ndlunkulu: produced by Xowla, this poignant ode delves into modern relationship complexities. With soulful vocal delivery, the song illuminates the emotional turbulence of suspected infidelity, making it a relatable experience for many listeners.
Daily Maverick
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
‘You don't see us' — Cape farmworkers voice grievances about labour inspectors
Farmworkers from across the Boland and Koue Bokkeveld trotted out a litany of complaints against labour inspectors, who are meant to keep tabs on their working conditions. 'Our people sit here and die, while you earn your salary,' said activist Linda van Neel when farmworkers relayed their experiences of navigating the labour rights sector, struggling to access Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits, the blocking of access to labour offices, and labour inspectors only speaking to employers, not employees, during site visits. On Tuesday, activists and farmworkers gathered at Cape Town's Community House to lay bare their frustrations. The farmworkers and activists from De Doorns, Paarl, Ceres, Wellington and Stellenbosch spoke about their experiences in the agricultural sector, which, according to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, employs more than 200,000 people. Surrounded by women and young people in red 'Women on Farms' T-shirts, Van Neel looked at David Esau, provincial chief inspector at the Department of Employment and Labour, and said, 'You gave us your number, but you don't pick up,' referring to unanswered calls for help. The farmworkers, many of them now activists via training programmes with Women on Farms, spoke extensively about one of their major concerns: labour inspectors only speaking to employers and not farmworkers during site inspections. Esau had told the crowd that one of the reasons for this was that when one of the 280 inspectors went to a farm, they had to find out whether there was a workers' union or an employees' forum and speak to the members. The farmworkers were unhappy with this. Nicolene McGee from Paarl shouted, 'You don't see us, you go to the farmhouse and enjoy coffee on the stoep with nice scones and jam.' After Esau told the audience that they needed to organise into worker forums so that inspectors could speak to them during farm inspections, Van Neel asked him why the same issues kept cropping up, even after they had spoken to him on previous occasions. In 2021, Daily Maverick reported on a similar event with Women on Farms, where the then labour minister, Thulas Nxesi, said his department needed to get its house in order in terms of access to labour centres for farmworkers. On Tuesday, Van Neel told Esau: 'Our people sit here and die while you earn your salary.' Sarie Smit from De Doorns said, 'It is heartbreaking what happens to us in De Doorns — you can't walk past [the labour office] without someone asking for half a loaf of bread.' She said that people often used their last money to get to the labour office so they could get assistance with UIF claims. Some slept outside the labour office to ensure they would be helped the following day. Other problems included being told, 'The system is offline' when they tried to access the office, and security guards at labour offices in rural areas refusing to allow workers to enter if they did not have documents. Tony Lamati, acting director at the UIF, told the farmworkers and activists that he would take the issues raised back with him to the office. He said that even if the system was offline, 'we should be taking applications manually'. The UIF was on a hiring spree, he said, to increase staff in some sections from three to 15, and those posts would soon be advertised. Payments would be automated in a bid to prevent fraud. Denile Samuels from Women on Farms said, 'Every year, these issues are tabled … you need to handle us with dignity. You are government officials and we are paying your salaries through our taxes — we will hold you accountable.' The group marched through the Cape Town CBD to hand a memorandum to the Labour Department. Demands included:
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Powerful Hidden Prophecy in Genesis!
Disclaimer: The views and interpretations expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or positions of WiProud. This article is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. Readers are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and conduct their own research when forming conclusions about religious texts and beliefs. If there is one thing that confirms the Bible is inspired more than anything, it's prophecy. It's the 'pre-written' history that was, and will be, all foretold in scripture. A great percentage of scripture is prophecy, but there is one prophecy that, at least for myself, is extremely profound. One that, in my opinion, tops them all. And something that makes this prophecy so interesting is the fact that it's not as obvious as most. If you were to read this section of scripture, you would more than likely breeze right by it and miss it. It's such a wonderful gem that can be found by those who dig for it. Like a priceless treasure just waiting to be discovered. So what prophecy am I talking about? Where is it? How is hidden in plain sight? Hold onto your seats, because this is pretty incredible! This particular prophecy is found in the book of Genesis. If you skip forward just a couple chapters you will find the very first genealogy in chapter 5. Now the Bible has many genealogies, most notably in Matthew 1 where scripture traces the lineage of Jesus Christ all the way back to Abraham. But Genesis chapter 5 has something very special about it. At first glance you will read a simple lineage from Adam, the first man, to Noah, the man who built the Ark and survived the Flood. The names listed are Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mehalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah. If you add up all the years given with the names, the generations for this genealogy span over a time period of about 1056 years from the creation of Adam to the birth of Noah. We get to learn who begat who, how long each individual lived, and that many other sons and daughters were born. However, what you don't see is the actual meaning behind each and every name that is mentioned. For those who decide to examine this will be very glad they did. Biblical names normally came from a personality trait, or things associated to them. This is called the etymology, or 'meaning' of someone's name. For instance, when God told Abraham his wife, Sarah, would give birth. Sarah, being old in age and also barren, laughed at this. When Sarah finally did give birth to a son they named him Isaac, which is the Hebrew word for 'laughter'. Again, Esau, Isaac's son, was a hairy man (Gen 27:11). If Esau were alive today, his name would literally be, Hairy. Jacob, Esau's brother, was hanging onto Esau's heel when they were born, and so his name translates as 'heel catcher' (Gen 25:26). Even Abraham's name means 'Father of many nations' (Gen 17:5). There are many many more. What does that have to do with a hidden prophecy? We find this out when we take the time to examine the meanings of the names in Genesis chapter 5? Let's take a look. Adam = Man Seth = Appointed Enosh = Subject to Death Kenan = Sorrowful Mahalalel = From the Presence of God Jared = One Comes Down Enoch = Dedicated Methuselah = Dying He Shall Send Lamech = To the Poor and Lowly Noah = Rest and Comfort Do you see anything interesting? To better illustrate what I want you to see here, let's put the meanings only together into a sentence with some punctuation…Why is this so significant? This is THE GOSPEL of Jesus Christ! This is the good news of Jesus Christ found right here in Genesis 5! You may still say, 'Well, yea… So what?' If you are thinking that statement, there may be a few key things you need to really consider. Remember, this a list of generations that span over 1000 years, and the meanings in this genealogy could not have been planned by these individuals. They didn't even know the promise of a messiah until Abraham about 300 years after the flood. It's also believed by most scholars that Moses finished the book of Genesis sometime in 1400 BC, which is still 1400+ years before Jesus Christ was even born. How was it possible for these men, starting from Adam, to orchestrate what to name these particular sons for the next one thousand years to tell of a prophecy that would happen 4400 years later with no knowledge of it? Completely and utterly IMPOSSIBLE! This kind of hidden prophecy could only have been constructed by God Himself! It's things like this in our Bibles that undeniably prove there is something supernatural about scripture. Something beyond man's knowledge and schemes. No man can predict the future with this kind of precision, thousands of years before the events takes place. This prophecy, and many others in scripture, prove that scriptures can NOT be a generic book simply written by mere men. Instead, this book is truly inspired by God with His plan of salvation in the works all the way back to the Garden of Eden! Disclaimer: The views and interpretations expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or positions of WiProud. This article is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. Readers are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and conduct their own research when forming conclusions about religious texts and beliefs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
