YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayetze
So many explanations have been given for this vivid vision that I could not hope to name them all. But, it seems to me, the best idea is the simplest idea: The ladder represents the "ups and downs" in a person’s life.
This is a particularly appropriate metaphor for Yakov, for in his tumultuous life, he will experience the highest highs and the lowest lows that a human being can know. He will fall deeply in love with his beloved Rachel, working 14 years for her hand in marriage, but he will see her die young, in childbirth. He will raise the most magnificent family in our history – the 12 holy tribes of Israel – yet that very same family will be filled with intense jealousy and divisiveness, culminating with the kidnapping and sale of Yosef. Yakov will struggle mightily to return to Eretz Yisrael, where he knows a Jew must live, yet will descend again into exile, spending the last 17 years of his life in depraved Egypt.
Of course, what happens to Yakov is not just his own personal struggle, but is exactly parallel to what will occur to his future descendants, Am Yisrael, the Jewish People. We, too, will undergo the depths of suffering and degradation, as well as the most cosmic of "highs." Our nation will be decimated by countless wanderings, pogroms and Holocausts, yet we will also produce the brightest minds in the universe, embody the timeless treasure of the Torah, and eventually return in glory to the modern, magnificent State of Israel.
In short, we would perfectly represent the blessing that was given by Hashem to the Avot, that we would be "like the dust of the earth, and the stars of the heavens." At times, we find ourselves as low as the dust, trampled upon by others; yet at other times we shine like the brightest star in the sky, everyone "looking up to us" with envy and respect.
What is the secret of Yakov’s ability to survive all these ups and downs? How does he maintain his strength and his faith; how does he manage to keep his equilibrium while on this wild roller-coaster of an existence?
I suggest it is by remembering his dream, and the fact that the angels are always there with him, whether he is in a downward spiral, or buoyantly ascendant. He knows that G-d is there, by his side, accompanying him and watching over him. And that knowledge - that he never goes it alone - helps Yakov - and us! – keep going, step-by-step, towards our dream.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
