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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.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.