YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bereshit
- Vayetze
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
There are a few interesting possibilities. On a practical level, the Netziv explains that Yaakov wanted the shepherds to leave so that he could have a more private, first meeting with his cousin, later to be wife. There are midrashim that say that the wait at the well was a mystical reference to a future exile of his descendents, which Yaakov was working to somehow shorten.
However, let us concentrate on the straightforward explanation, which Rashi brings from Chazal. Yaakov was disturbed by what appeared as irresponsible laziness on the shepherds’ part. If they were hired hands, they were stealing their employers’ time; if they were self-employed, then they were plain lazy. It is interesting that the Torah does not mention Yaakov’s zealousness when dealing with the likes of the treacherous and deceitful Eisav and Lavan. Yet, a lack of respect for the value of time "set him off."
This attribute of Yaakov is particularly poignant in light of our discussion of last week. As opposed to his brother, the hunter, Yaakov spent his time in the tents of Torah. He did not lounge around, but studied to an unusually intense and demanding degree (see Rashi to 28:11). However, he did not occupy himself with life outside the tent. This could be for one of two reasons. Yaakov could have adopted a philosophy that matters outside the tent of Torah are inconsequential. The longer he spent in the Torah’s light, the more he would have realized the lack of other matters’ value. On the other hand, he could have adopted a philosophy that other areas of endeavor were of value and to be taken seriously. The Torah was worth so much to him, not because nothing else counted, but because Torah counted more. To the contrary, Torah needed to prepare him to correctly and ethically do everything in his life.
The "proof in the pudding" was when Yaakov left the tent. For all of those years, he had studied how, among other things, to respect time’s value, most certainly including in the work place. The fact that he reacted to the apparent lack of workers’ dedication shows that work outside the tent was a value and that doing it ethically was critical. Yaakov did not only make demands on others. He demonstrated exemplary dedication to his job, tending to Lavan’s flock, despite the fact that he had an excuse to get even with Lavan (see 31: 38-42). This is but one lesson to learn from the "choice of the patriarchs."
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)
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
