parshat Vayetze

Ever since the times of our holy forefathers Avraham, Yitzhak and Yaakov, the site and town of Beit El has been a central and sacred place. Here, in this holy spot, Yaakov Avinu dreams his famous Dream of the Ladder – and when he awakens, he says: "There actually is G-d in this place, and I did not know." He then continues: "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the House of G-d, and this is the gateway to the Heavens."

Judaism is supremely a religion of love. Judaism is also about justice. So why this combination of justice and love? Why is love alone not enough?

We see in this week's reading that it is our father Jacob who is really the master of dreams.

Judaism is supremely a religion of love. Judaism is also about justice. So why this combination of justice and love? Why is love alone not enough?

Rav Moshe Feinstein says that Hashem davka wanted Yakov to sleep in that sacred spot! For what Yakov "did not know," & what G-d wanted very much to teach him – and us! - was that every activity we perform in life can be a holy act, if only we have the right outlook.

May I take credit for something that I did not do myself? Must I make a full disclosure when it may cause a negative outcome? Is it permitted to “add” to the truth?