The commentators raise a number of questions regarding the text of Yaakov’s command to his sons to prepare themselves for the final blessings which they were to receive from him: First, why must this message be conveyed in the presence of all the brothers assembled together? Second, what is the significance of the word, “hear/listen”? What else are they supposed to do, if not listen to Yaakov? Third, why does the pasuk begin by referring to the Patriarch as Yaakov and end by calling him Yisrael?
Horav Eliyahu Schlesinger Shlita, cites Horav Baruch Epstein z.l., who, in his sefer Baruch She’omar, explains the disparity in the pasuk which we recite daily, “How goodly are your tents, Yaakov, your dwellings places, Yisrael.” He raises two issues: First, why does the pasuk commence with reference to Yaakov and end with reference to Yisrael? Second, why in regard to Yaakov does the pasuk employ “your tents,” while concerning Yisrael the word used is “your dwelling places”? He explains that the name Yisrael is more dignified, since it describes the Patriarch in his moment of strength during victory over Eisav’s angel. It indicates power, sovereignty and respect. Indeed, the name Yisrael was given to Yaakov by Hashem. Conversely, the name Yaakov alludes to the Patriarch in a weakened state, holding on to the heel of Eisav. It implies a position that is exposed, fragile, and vulnerable. The commentators suggest that the name “Yaakov” is usually applied to our people during their period of exile. This is a time in which they have no permanent home. They are driven from place to place at the whim of their oppressors. Their spirits are low, their self-esteem practically non-existent. When Klal Yisrael is in galus, exile, the Torah is in a similar exiled condition. Every aspect of their Torah study is impermanent, temporary in nature. There is, unfortunately, no true stability to Torah study while we suffer in galus. Consequently, the name Yisrael is used when Klal Yisrael is residing peacefully on their own land. The name Yisrael is equated with security and confidence, while the name Yaakov reflects instability.
There is also a distinct difference between an ohel, tent, and a mishkan, dwelling place. A tent is fragile and flimsy, comprised of various components which enable its transport to various places. The ohel is made to be moved from place to place. It lacks stability and soundness. In contrast, the word mishkan implies an edifice which has a solid foundation. It connotes durability and permanence. Similarly, the name Yaakov is equated with ohel, while the name Yisrael is used in connection with mishkan.
As Yaakov Avinu prepared to speak to his sons regarding Acharis Ha’yamim, the end of days, he was well aware of two primary issues to be addressed during the period of time before the advent of Moshiach. The first issue is the tragic divisiveness which will exist amongst Klal Yisrael. The conflict between brothers will become intense, such that anyone who is unwilling to adhere to the mandate of Torah will forge for themselves new and alien ideologies. The second issue is the unwillingness to “listen” to someone else. This resistance to hear what someone else has to say, to take heed of the reproof of those far greater than he, bespeaks a recalcitrance that denies one the opportunity for spiritual ascendancy and moral perfection.
Two things–working together in harmony and the ability to listen, to take heed of the message of truth — will be the two most critical issues of Acharis Ha’yamim. This, opines Horav Schlesinger, was the underlying commitment of Klal Yisrael when they accepted the Torah. “Na’aseh–we will do; V’nishnma–and we will listen,” they proclaimed. We will work together, and we will listen to Hashem’s message.
Thus, Yaakov charged his sons: Gather around; assemble together and listen, sons of Yaakov, listen to the message of Yisrael, your father, as to what will occur to you in the end of days. Perhaps you wonder, “Can we get together during our periods of persecution, when we are suffering in exile?” Worry not, sons of Yaakov, a name which implies exile and suffering. Unity is not a requisite simply when times are good, when you are resting comfortably in your own land, secure and free from persecution. Achdus is an integral quality in the fiber of Klal Yisrael. You must assemble together to survive. With these two characteristics–unity amongst yourselves, and maintaining the ability to listen to others and accept what you hear — you will survive throughout history until that glorious day that will usher in Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
