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Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayetze
Innumerable interpretations of this dream have been offered. My own take is that Yakov himself was meant to be a "ladder," a bridge to connect his people to the Almighty, helping them to continually rise in kedusha and come closer to Hashem. This would be done by virtue of
Torah learning, and Yakov – who is the only person in the Torah described as a "Yoshev Ohalim," a resident of the Bet Midrash - was the perfect person for this holy task.
But I also want to draw your attention to another symbolic metaphor that appears over and over in this Parsha. Vayetze begins with Yakov gathering stones, which he places around his head, either to create a kind of "wall" to keep wild animals away while he sleeps, or as a kind of pillow upon which he rests his weary head.
He then takes these stones – or, actually, a singular stone; Chazal ascribe animate properties to the stones, which combined themselves into one cohesive unit - and he makes a monument out of it. He then anoints the stone, as one would anoint a king or a Kohen Gadol, and he marks the spot as "Bet El," the House of G-d, i.e. the future Bet HaMikdash.
But we’re not done with stones yet. Soon, Yakov will meet Rachel at the well, where, powered by love, he will remove, in super-human fashion, the huge stone from the well’s mouth. Finally, at Sedra’s end, he will again gather stones and create another monument, which he names, "Gal-Ed," as a "witness" to the pact made between him and Lavan.
What is the significance of the stones and its ubiquitous appearance throughout Yakov’s life?
Stone, which lasts virtually forever, is a metaphor for the eternity of Hashem; "Tzur Yisrael – the Rock of Israel," is one of G-d’s names. Steadfast and sturdy, the rock is the prime ingredient used in building. Yakov, via his use of stones, builds his life. First he builds a connection to Hashem at Bet El; then he builds a connection to his beloved Rachel; then he builds a wall between himself and Lavan, from whom he must always keep a safe distance. These are the primary "building blocks" of any Jewish life: Having a relationship with G-d; creating a family with a partner you love; and establishing your rightful place in society.
Even the Hebrew word for rock, "even," is all about connecting. It is composed of 2 words – "Av and Ben," Father & Son. Yakov’s hope for the Jewish People is that we connect from generation to generation – through Torah.
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)
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
