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Although Yaakov already obtained the berachot that ensured his ultimate success, including financially, he was not satisfied. After all, fortune can cause its owner’s downfall (Kohelet 5:12). For a meaningful life of activity, he needed to be a talmid chacham, who could study in his free time in a significant way. He entered a life of intensive study in the ancient yeshiva. The beracha Yaakov received from his father was literally, "from the dew of the heaven and the fats of the land, and a multitude of grain and wine." However, he understood it like the midrash – referring, respectively, to Tanach, Mishna, Talmud, and aggada (Bereishit Rabba 66:3). When Yaakov put in long hours on Lavan’s flock (see Bereishit 31:40), he contemplated Torah ideas while at work.
Even this was not enough to deal with such a long stay in a struggle with deception that his father-in-law forced him to enter (see Rashi, Bereishit 29:12). Although everything Yaakov did was after determining it was morally proper, thinking in terms of "outsmarting the rival" can corrupt. That is why Yaakov prayed that he would "return in peace – free of sin" (ibid. 28:21). Should he turn into a conniver, all the Torah he learned could be wasted and even turned into a source of chillul Hashem.
To help in this regard, Hashem sent him a special dream – a ladder upon which angels travelled to and from the heaven. Yaakov saw himself as one who was kav’yachol to support the Divine Presence (Bereishit Rabba 69:3). Yaakov realized the greatness of his role in the world, to coronate Hashem through his actions. This helped him succeed in keeping 613 mitzvot while in Lavan’s home (Rashi, Bereishit 32:5). His involvement with Lavan and his tricks turned into a side point that did not overly impact him. Yaakov knew his purpose and saw the light that guided him, as the material world is just a guise that allows Hashem’s blessing to take hold.
Our patriarch Yaakov set the example for his descendants. We, like him, went through three stages in our history. This started with a yeshiva-learning stage before exile, with the development of Talmud Bavli, which stays with us wherever our nation travels.
Yaakov was in an open isolated place, exposed to wild animals, just as our nation has been exposed to dangerous nations. While possessing just a stick, he went to sleep protected by some stones, and merited his dream. Instead of focusing on dangers, he focused on the beauty of the spiritual world, and the dream gave him long-lasting strength.
Then he came to Lavan, who was so warm, but also demanded that Yaakov enter his world. We have found such treatment in our exiles as well. And we have to remember that the most rewarding approach is that of truth. We had to draw strength from the years of yeshiva learning and the dream that shows us that the world is a stage upon which the spiritual ministers of the world go up and down. We have always awaited the great day "when Hashem returns the returners to Zion" (Tehillim 126:1) We remain, due to the power of the dream, and because we prepared ourselves in the "the study halls of Shem and Ever."
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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
