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The pasuk says that after settling in Shechem, buying a field, and pitching tents, Yaakov "erected (vayatzev) an altar, and he called it, Kel Elokei Yisrael" (Bereishit 33:20). The term vayatzev is puzzling, considering that we usually talk about building an altar (out of smaller stones), not erecting one (which implies one large stone).
The root is found several other times regarding Yaakov, in last week’s and this week’s parashiot. Yaakov saw a ladder mutzav(standing) on the ground, Hashem was nitzav alav (standing over him), and he erected a matzeva (monument) at the place where he received the prophetic dream (Bereishit 28:12-18). Upon returning to this holy place after the long stay with Lavan, the root appears three more times from Bereishit 35:9-15, discussing his erecting another matzeva for worship of Hashem. Later in our parasha, Yaakov erects anothermatzeva, this time on the burial place of his wife Rachel (ibid. 35:20).
We will use the thesis that we have demonstrated elsewhere, that the root yatzov is a hint at the revelation of the Divine Presence. Sometimes this is explicit in the context, and sometimes it is the Torah’s way of hinting at this Presence. Thus, the monument on Rachel’s grave is not simply a way of marking it but indicates that Yaakov established a spiritual center for service of Hashem at that holy site. Therefore, there should be no surprise when we note that the root arises in the description of Bnei Yisrael encamped at the foot of Mt. Sinai in preparation for the Divine Revelation at the giving of the Torah (Shemot 19:16-17).
The root is also used to describe Miriam standing by to observe what would happen to her baby brother, Moshe (Shemot 2:4). Bnei Yisrael are likewise nitzavim in unison before Hashem to enter the covenant together. In next week’s parasha as well, the sheaves that represent Yosef and his brothers stand up (Bereishit 37:5-7). With that account, Yosef was telling his brothers that his special relationship with his father did not just find expression in his special cloak (ketonet passim). Rather, he inherited his father’s ability to receive prophetic dreams in which Hashem reveals Himself, as is hinted by the root yatzov.
Let us pray that we too will merit to all stand before Hashem and receive a Divine Revelation through which much light will chase away the darkness that surrounds us.
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 P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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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.
